Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes spotted in Parramatta as rumours explode of western Sydney expansion plans
Hospitality king Justin Hemmes’ visit to Sydney’s west has fuelled rumours he wants to expand his empire in Parramatta. Here is what we know.
NSW
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The hospitality group behind celebrated restaurants Totti’s could expand in Parramatta, with its chief executive Justin Hemmes hitting the streets of the western Sydney CBD on Tuesday.
The Merivale billionaire visited Parramatta where he popped in to say hello to one of the city’s most successful traders, Peter Wynn, at his sports store, Peter Wynn’s Score on Church St.
It is understood Hemmes has eyed a spot to snag in Parramatta for several years, but is still negotiating a place to buy – not just to rent – in the booming CBD.
A Merivale spokeswoman said there were no immediate plans to grow the business in Parramatta.
But Parramatta cannot be ruled off the radar for Hemmes, who regularly drives around Sydney to keep across what’s happening around the city.
It is understood Hemmes expressed an interest in the Heritage precinct building at Church St several years ago, but that has since been snapped up and houses the Heritage Lounge bar and swanky Japanese restaurant, Oribu.
Parramatta is ripe with potential.
The five-star InterContinental Hotel is slated to open in 2025 and the development of the $3.2bn Parramatta Square in recent years has created a dining precinct, much of it geared towards the corporate crowd.
Upmarket restaurants such as Ruse and LilyMu, along with casual drawcards including Betty’s Burgers, Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches and Rivareno Gelato call Parramatta Square home.
Despite Hemmes’ footprint across suburban Sydney, Byron Bay and regional Victoria, Sydney’s west is uncharted territory for Merivale which has 90 brands and venues.
Food lover Saryne Lagudi, from the Eating Up with the Hannashians Instagram account, would welcome a Merivale presence in Parramatta.
“I think it would enhance what it does have,’’ she said, adding she and her sisters eat at Merivale venues “all the time” for its quality and consistency.
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