Justin Hemmes: Billionaire hotelier confirms purchase of Narooma venue Quarterdeck

Billionaire hotelier Justin Hemmes has confirmed he has bought a popular south coast Tiki bar - his first venue outside Sydney.

Billionaire hotelier and Rich Lister Justin Hemmes has confirmed he has added a popular south coast bar and restaurant to his glowing portfolio.

On Thursday Mr Hemmes confirmed his company Merivale had purchased the Quarterdeck in Narooma, known as the south coast’s only Tiki bar.

The unique bar and restaurant is Mr Hemmes’ first hospitality venue purchase outside of Sydney.

“Narooma has become my second home and the backdrop to so many of my happiest memories with my family,” Mr Hemmes said.

Billionaire Justin Hemmes has confirmed he has bought the Quarterdeck at Narooma. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

“I think it is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, with a unique landscape, crystal clear waters and an amazing community of people who call it home.

“It has been an absolute privilege to spend so much time here over the past six years and I’m excited to now join the local business community.

“One of the silver linings to come out of the last year is a heightened appreciation for our own backyard, an excitement to explore our spectacular country and its coastline.

“We are so lucky to call Australia home”.

Mr Hemmes said he will receive the keys to the Quarterdeck within the next few months, and the business will trade as normal for the foreseeable future.

Chris and Robyn Scroggy bought the restaurant and bar two decades ago after moving from Sydney, and since then, the Tilba Tilba couple has put their heart and soul into the venue, also known for its love of live music.

Chris (left) and Robyn Scroggy put their heart and soul into the Narooma restaurant. Picture: Facebook

They turned the oyster shed into a fish and chip shop with its own boat and tackle shop by Wagonga Inlet into a south coast landmark.

While the business was on the market before the COVID-19 pandemic, the uncertainty of the times meant there were no concrete offers, Ms Scroggy said.

This week she remained tight lipped about the rumours Mr Hemmes was interested in taking it off their hands, but said the couple’s 20 years at the helm was “a good run”.

“We bought it to have the opportunity to show people the south coast, and why we love the place,” she said.

“We get to show and share with people why we moved here.

“The natural beauty of Narooma is stunning.”

The Quarterdeck is the only Tiki bar on the south coast.

Forty-seven-year-old Hemmes is estimated to be worth more than a billion dollars and operates more than 70 venues in 20 pubs and hotels across Sydney.

Not only is he a king of hospitality, but also real estate, reportedly owning a dozen residential properties.

His father John was not only best known for starting Merivale, the fashion business that brought the miniskirt to Australia, but also his love of real estate.

His investments in inner-city Sydney real estate saw him amass a family fortune of $12 million in the 1980s.