Burger chain founder lists Brisbane mansion after unpaid wages claims
The former operator of a popular burger chain in Brisbane, who was accused of underpaying staff only to back-pay them when legal action was taken, has listed his multimillion-dollar residence.
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The former operator of a popular burger chain in Brisbane, who was accused of underpaying staff only to back-pay them when legal action was taken, has listed his multimillion-dollar residence for sale.
Located across the road from New Farm Park, the restored and expanded, five-bedroom showstopper is owned by Joseph Barbagallo, who was the sole director of Barbkey We Pty Ltd, which previously operated DaBurger outlets in West End and New Farm.
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The outlets were audited as part of surprise inspections in key food precincts in Brisbane in December 2021.
The Fair Work Ombudsman commenced legal action against Barbkey We Pty Ltd and Mr Barbagallo in November last year claiming he failed to comply with a demand to back-pay 16 workers.
Outside court in November last year, Mr Barbagallo told the Courier Mail that the case was due to “a slight miscalculation in award rates made by [a previous staff member]”.
“It has been paid in full now,” he said at the time.
“I am personally sorry that this was overlooked.”
In February this year, the regulator found that Barbkey We Pty Ltd contravened the Fair Work Act by failing to comply with the compliance notice, and that Mr Barbagallo was involved in the contravention.
“Barbkey We Pty Ltd back-paid all entitlements owing after the Fair Work Ombudsman commenced legal action,” a media release dated February 15 said.
The DaBurger New Farm Instagram page had a final post saying: “Sadly, the DaBurger story ends this Friday 24th Dec. We are honoured to have served you our delicious burgers over the years and will miss our beautiful customers. With the many challenges faced in the hospitality industry due to the pandemic, unfortunately we are unable to continue trading. Sincerely The DaBurger Team”.
Company records show the ABN for Barbkey We Pty Ltd was cancelled on April 28.
Mr Barbagallo’s house was first listed for sale on February 18, and was relisted on August 21 with best offers closing on September 19 at 3pm.
Publicly available property records show Mr Barbagallo bought the New Farm house in October 2020 for $3.31 million.
On a 749sq m block, the Queenslander combines classic character with modern touches.
The layout features open-plan and private living spaces that extend out to various courtyards, decks and the pool.
There is also self-contained accommodation options, complete with a second full kitchen, multiple communal living and dining zones, a study housing with a built-in library, a wine cellar and four-car garage.
Mr Barbagallo is also the founding director of DoctorLink, which has 13 clinics in metro and regional Queensland.
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