Ghanem Group has taken over the Fox Hotel which will be reopened later in 2025

A heritage-listed inner-Brisbane pub that has sat vacant for three years will be revitalised by a renowned Queensland hospitality family.

Nehme and Adonis Ghanem at the Fox Hotel in South Brisbane.

One of Brisbane’s Art Deco jewels, the Fox Hotel, is set for a rebirth with the Ghanem Group taking over the historic pub that as been closed for the past three years.

The Ghanem Group, which began in 2006 with the launch of Byblos Brisbane by brothers Adonis and Nehme Ghanem (illustrated), is planning to reopen it as a world-class, multi-level dining, events and entertainment precinct in late 2025.

The South Brisbane icon has been closed since the 2022 floods and the family-owned hospitality business aims to revitalise the heritage-listed landmark.

“This is our largest and one of our most exciting projects to date,” said Ghanem Group director Adonis Ghanem.

“The growing community of this area has long-awaited the return of this legendary venue, and to have the opportunity to bring the next era of dining and entertainment to this iconic site is a true honour. This is a project that we are very much excited about.”

There will be a full interior redesign and fit-out by Space Cubed Design Studio that respects the hotel’s legacy, conserving heritage features and Art Deco charm.

Nehme and Adonis Ghanem at the Fish Lane entrance to the Fox Hotel in South Brisbane.

From a new entry on Fish Lane, guests can choose their own adventure. Experiences range from a ground-level public bar with bistro dining, a gaming lounge with adjoining bottle shop, two dedicated function spaces, a sophisticated late-night cocktail lounge, and a stunning rooftop terrace with expansive views of Brisbane’s CBD and performing arts district.

Each floor will captures an era of the hotel’s eclectic past, delivering a multi-venue experience at one outstanding location.

The Ghanem family’s hospitality legacy dates back to 1978, when the brothers’ parents owned Lebanese restaurants across the city.

Don't worry, be happy

Business Chamber Queensland’s latest Pulse Report shows that Queensland businesses recorded the third consecutive increase in forward economic confidence, despite persistently challenging operating conditions and historically weak profitability.

Businesses reported continued confidence in the Queensland economy following the October 2024 state election outcome, while many businesses are still waiting to see the outcome of this year’s federal election.

Businesses cited both elections as opportunities for positive business and economic policy reform and a reason for increased economic confidence over the next 12 months.

Confidence was also fuelled by an expectation for further interest rate softening.

The data shows that despite this, actual operating conditions in the December quarter were unexpectedly weak and failed to match confidence.

Brisbane Chamber Queensland chief executive Heidi Cooper.

Business Chamber Queensland chief executive Heidi Cooper says the data was reflective of a persistently challenging business operating environment which was further challenged during the recent disaster season and overseas issues.

“The data shows while forward economic confidence was strengthening, actual business conditions including sales and revenue, profitability and the ability to run a business didn’t match confidence,” she says.

“In fact in the December quarter we saw consistently weak profitability which returned to its lowest levels since the peak of the Covid economic crisis, while three in four businesses reported yet another increase in their operating costs.

“Businesses need to be supported to build resilience in their business during normal operating times, so they can respond to challenges and major economic disruptions.”

Originally published as Ghanem Group has taken over the Fox Hotel which will be reopened later in 2025