Derrimut 24:7 Gyms founder Nikolaos Solomos addresses unpaid rent, debt allegations after closure of Angle Vale gym

The owner of the embattled chain says errors were made after customers were dramatically kicked out of an Adelaide gyms amid allegations of unpaid rent and taxes.

• Bizarre scenes as Adelaide gym stripped

The owner of Derrimut 24:7 Gym says the embattled fitness chain is “not going anywhere” after the ATO alleged he owes millions in unpaid taxes and a landlord booted him out of an Adelaide shopping precinct because of about $220,000 in unpaid rent.

In an emotional video posted on the brand’s Instagram, Nikolaos Solomos soothed the concerns of staff and customers, saying his business was “stronger and bigger than we’ve ever been before” as he responded to the allegations for the first time.

“I wanted to address some things that have been out there in the media,” he said. “Some things I can talk about, some things I can’t.

Derrimut 24:7 Gym fonder and owner Nikolaos Solomos in his Instagram reel speaking about the Angle Vale store closure.

“Obviously, the big one is ATO debt. We’ve got the best in Australia working on that issue.

Look, the reality is, we’ve been here for 15 years, the only thing I can say, we’re not going anywhere.”

Documents filed in the Victorian County Court have alleged Mr Solomos owes the ATO more than $11.3m in unpaid taxes.

Mr Solomos also spoke out about what he called “the latest debacle” at Derrimut 24:7 Gym Angle Vale, after members were kicked out mid-workout when the branch suddenly closed on Wednesday morning.

Derrimut claimed in an Instagram post its lease had not been renewed, but landlord Tony Syrianos disputed this, telling The Advertiser it closed because the tenant owed about $220,000 of unpaid rent including outgoings.

The truck outside Derrimut 24:7 Gym at Angle Vale on Wednesday. Picture: Darren Chaitman

The Derrimut gym at Angle Vale is cleared out on Wednesday afternoon. Picture: Darren Chaitman

“We made an error, we missed the boat on that,” Mr Solomos said.

“We’ve had to relocate that gym, and we’ve paid the price for it.

“But we’re not doing a runner – we’re giving refunds, memberships on hold, or Munno Park or Elizabeth are opening up.

“I always find a way or make a way – I believe in myself, and we’re now rectifying the things that we’ve done in the back-end to make sure certain things don’t happen again.

“We’re stronger and bigger than we’ve ever been before, and the gyms that youse are all at, the locations are just jamming.”

Mr Solomos said his son, who was born after he started the fitness chain, would “see a lot of articles in the paper of Daddy, and I think the best way to show leadership is to take it and cop it on the chin”.

“My little boy’s gonna see that and go ‘all right Daddy, this is what happened – what did you do about it?’” he said.

“All the heat that I’m copping, it’s all deserving, but just understand, I’ve got thick skin – some people don’t. So, when you go online, hammering people, be careful.

“Everyone’s got family and friends, and the pressure that comes with it. Just have some compassion.

“Yeah, we made some mistakes, but we’re also gonna make things right.”

Originally published as Derrimut 24:7 Gyms founder Nikolaos Solomos addresses unpaid rent, debt allegations after closure of Angle Vale gym