Toowoomba’s Ambassador on Ruthven, Seasons Restaurant for sale through ResortBrokers

Buyers have been circling a popular and award-winning motel and restaurant in Toowoomba, but the agent in charge says there is a significant sticking point that’s based on perception rather than facts. Find out why here:

A popular four-star motel and restaurant near Toowoomba’s CBD has hit the market for more than $2m, with the agent in charge calling it a “blue chip” business.

The Ambassador on Ruthven and Season restaurant in North Toowoomba, which was previously a Best Western until recently, has been listed for a leasehold sale through ResortBrokers.

The 34-room, four-star motel has a net income of more than $600,000 and was recently upgraded by its current owner as part of the transition to an independent business.

But lead agent Jason Vogler said while early interest had been strong, some buyers were apprehensive due to Seasons being attached.

FOR SALE: The Ambassador on Ruthven and Seasons restaurant in North Toowoomba has hit the market through ResortBrokers on a $2.1m leasehold campaign.

He said interested parties had expressed concern about finding specialised staff for restaurants, citing the ongoing skills shortage seen across the nation.

“We have gotten quite a bit of interest but the biggest hurdle is the quality of workforce available and perceived shortages in skills like chefs,” Mr Vogler said.

“People are baulking at motels with food businesses, but the (current employees) that are there are locals and they’re keen to stay.

“It’s a very good quality and award-winning restaurant, but it’s not just this one — every motel and restaurant, they don’t want to take it on.

“There’s no reason the workforce is going to change once it changes ownership.”

FOR SALE: The Ambassador on Ruthven and Seasons restaurant in North Toowoomba has hit the market through ResortBrokers on a $2.1m leasehold campaign.

Mr Vogler said after a slow reaction to Covid-19, Toowoomba’s accommodation sector was finally picking up.

He said the new owner of the Ambassador wouldn’t need to upgrade the site.

“It’s a choice property, it’s going in leaps and bounds — it’s moved away from Best Western in the past year, and that’s been a good move, it’s actually gained business since then,” Mr Vogler said.

“There’s no money to spend on the property, it’s been well-kept and it’s been brought up to the most modern conveniences.”

Mr Vogler said the current owners were keen to sell quickly.

FOR SALE: The Ambassador on Ruthven and Seasons restaurant in North Toowoomba has hit the market through ResortBrokers on a $2.1m leasehold campaign.