Fitzy’s and Beenleigh Tavern, join giant pub portfolio

Five pubs and hotels south of Brisbane have become part of the country’s second largest bar and pub venture that includes one of Brisbane’s most iconic venues.

Hotel HQ on Kingston Rd, Underwood was bought by Coles.

FIVE pubs and hotels south of Brisbane have become part of the country’s second largest bar and pub venture.

Australian Venue Company and Coles signed a joint venture last month, creating the giant pub portfolio, which now includes Beenleigh Hotel, Fitzy’s Loganholme, Hotel HQ in Underwood, Browns Plains Hotel, and Club Hotel Waterford.

Fitzy’s Loganholme is now part of the joint venture which aims to capitalise on Coles’ expertise in retail liquor while food and AVC will oversee marketing and venue management.

The deal allows Coles to focus on management of its retail liquor store assets and AVC to diversify its bar and pub portfolio.

The agreement is for the operation of 87 Spirit hotels and 253 liquor stores in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, previously owned and operated by Coles.

Beenleigh Tavern is now part of the joint venture, the country’s second largest portfolio of pubs.

The five hotels from Logan will join 34 others from the southeast corner under the deal, with AVC using its expertise in bar, food and entertainment to oversee the iconic bars and pubs.

In Brisbane, the iconic Regatta Hotel at Toowong and Fridays in the CBD will join the group.

AVC CEO Paul Waterson said the joint venture with Coles was to deliver a “best of both worlds” outcome in terms of management and earnings for both parties.

“On the hotel side, we will be backing the local market knowledge of the current Spirit Hotels venue managers and teams with AVC’s specialist marketing and venue management services to expand and enhance customer services and experience,” he said.

“As employees of a much enlarged, specialist pub and bar venue operator, we believe there will be broader employment and career opportunities for all employee team members.