What new Spotted Cow owner has planned for iconic venue

WHEN Scott Hempel was a young man drinking at the Spotted Cow, he had no idea his company would one day own the iconic pub.

Concept art for the new Spotted Cow in Toowoomba, which has been bought by Hallmark Group.

WHEN Scott Hempel was a young man drinking at the Spotted Cow more than two decades ago, he had no idea he'd one day embark on a $1.5 million renovation of the iconic pub.

"I must admit, it wasn't part of the life plan at the time," the Hallmark Group director joked.

"Everyone has got fond memories of the Spotted Cow, hence why when the opportunity came to purchase one of the most iconic opportunities we jumped at the chance.

"Being such an iconic pub, everyone has an affinity (with it) across the region, and we felt we had quite a big presence in Brisbane and the Gold Coast and this would be a great addition."

Hallmark Group director Scott Hempel and his wife Debbie.

Mr Hempel, a former Toowoomba resident who was born in Dalby and went to school in Warwick, was the driving force behind the Brisbane-based group's purchase of the classic venue from the Coorey family.

It marks a new chapter in the history of the pub, which was shut for several months due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Hallmark will start work this week to gut the pub and begin an seven-week transformation, with the Cow to reopen by late October at the earliest.

The Spotted Cow’s new look.

Among the big changes will be an expanded gaming room, larger sports bar, a designated TAB section and even grander dining experience.

"The gaming room will be completely gutted, the sports bar will be adjusted as well, with a big screen for major sporting events," Mr Hempel said.

"We'll have a TAB in the middle, and the bistro area will feature a floating woodfire grill.

"The Spotted Cow is always known for a great steak, we'll just be turning the dial up a bit.

"There will be extensive renovations inside and out, but we definitely want to keep that classic charm."

The Spotted Cow was a notable live music venue for national touring acts like Violent Soho and Gang of Youths in the past.

But Mr Hempel made it clear the pub was moving in a new direction.

"There will be live music, but only something complementary to the food and beverage options we're offering," he said.

"As far as the touring acts, we're not doing that now."

Mr Hempel said the company would likely hire between 20 and 30 locals once the venue opened, with the hiring process still continuing.

The venue is the latest addition to Hallmark's eclectic mix of outlets in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, notably Lefty's Music Hall and Asylum Nightclub.

Demolition crews will be at the site today.