Warwick business owners reflect on their new businesses, and what’s to come in growing landscape
In a growing business landscape, it seems like major projects are announced more regularly than ever. Here are some of the biggest business stories in the Rose City.
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In the past 12 months, several businesses have come and gone, reopened and expanded, proving the Rose City is a hub for owning your own business.
Take a look at some of the new businesses, new faces and new ideas that have come to our region’s business sector in the past twelve months.
Stockyard Tavern – 37 Percy St, Warwick
Partners Jacqui Scriven and Rhys Bearman, no strangers in the publican business, bought the Warwick institution less than two months ago, and are being rewarded big time.
The publican pair moved to Warwick to pursue a dream many aspire to: owning their own pub.
Previously operating the Harlan Hotel in the Somerset Region, the pair would see travellers from up to five hours away coming for their “big and wholesome” feeds.
Chef Rhys Bearman said they do their food just right, saying the reason people love their food was simple – “it’s country, it’s big, it’s wholesome and it’s well priced”.
Over the next six months the pair plan to create more atmosphere through introducing live music, as well in as bring in decorations and furnishings and consulting punters on what they want to see from their local.
It’s been a big turnout so far. Since opening in August the pair frequently get full houses.
“We can’t believe it, we thought we’d build an audience slowly, but people keep coming back week-after-week, and they're bringing their parents, and partners each time,” Ms Scriven said this week.
“We’re very happy to be welcomed with open arms by the Warwick community, everyone has been so lovely.
“Our beautiful regulars (from Harlan) have also come down and some of the staff can’t believe that everyday, someone we know comes in.”
Holy Grounds Coffee – 79 Fitzroy Street Warwick
The brains behind the Rose City’s craziest drinking establishment, which has showcased both local and state craft brews since opening in August 2022, have announced they would expand into another beverage market earlier this year.
Psycho Suzie’s co-owners Dean and Tamika Alsford said they’ve always wanted “to be different and to stand out”.
Going in to open Holy Grounds, the Alsfords had two main goals – keeping the price point as low as possible, and have a consistent high-quality food and drink output.
“Our goal is to be a tier above, that is consistently the best that can be done,” Mr Alsford said.
You can check out Holy Grounds from 7- 11.30am, Wednesday to Sunday.
Warwick Doctors – 80 Albion St, Warwick
Warwick’s latest business, scheduled to open on September 9, is something the community has demanded for years.
Warwick Doctors, a new state-of-the-art medical facility by nationwide firm Doctors and Co, will be located at the Home & Life precinct on Albion St. The Colliers development has been praised by the community at large for bringing national chain tenants to the Rose City.
The shortage of doctors has always been an issue in the Rose City, with one doctor saying that keeping doctors in Warwick was a major issue.
“Our biggest issue is retention. One of the biggest things that we know is the people who will stay out here are people who come from country areas,” he said.
Warwick Doctors lists Dr Remi Alagbe as their medical stalwart, a doctor who has been working in Namibia as a family physician.
Warwick Doctors says its focuses are men’s and women’s health, pediatric health, immunisations and travel health, check-ups, vaccinations and even mental heath and small-scale surgeries.
Warwick Doctors will be open for medical appointments from September 9.
Anytime Fitness – 80 Albion St, Warwick
Sports-mad Warwick has always wanted a 24/7 gym to accommodate the eager exercisers and shift workers that call the region home.
Anytime Fitness Warwick opened just shy of a year ago, with manager Ash Cole saying the Rose City has been very open and welcoming since opening.
“We’ve got a wide variety of people that come to the gym, from 14-year-olds beginning their fitness journey to shift workers out at the wind farm that can only come in at 3am,” Ms Cole said.
“I love the brand and I love dealing with people every day, people are so receptive and have really opened up about their fitness journey after they realise we’re sticking around as a business.”
Anytime Fitness’ difference compared to regular gyms including being open all the time, catering for all ages and fitness levels, disability access and the ability to use your pass at any gym in the world under their brand has made them stand out as a favourite in town.
“I’m proud we have the facilities for everyone here,” Ms Cole said.
“I’ve learnt so much managing here and I think people have learnt to trust us and know we care and want them to get out of their comfort zone.”
Anytime Fitness is open at 80 Albion St.
Retro Arcade Warwick – 81a Fitzroy Street, Warwick
For one Granite Belt business which sadly had to close earlier this year, the end was simply the beginning.
Retro Arcade Warwick opened following the closure of the Stanthorpe store this year by Girraween couple Tatiana Larsen and James Costenoble.
The pair met and had one of their first dates at an arcade venue in Brisbane, and then years later created their own on Railway St, Stanthorpe.
However, shortly after opening in December 2023, the business closed earlier this year, before reopening and expanding into the better location in Warwick, firing on all cylinders.
The couple cited financial difficulties and the ending of the stores lease as the reason behind the regretful closure of the Stanthorpe store.
Featuring one of Queensland’s largest pinball collections, the arcade is loved by both children and adults across the region.
“We hope to create something special for our community and to be a fun and safe space for people of all ages to enjoy,” the couple said.
“So far we’ve seen seven-year-olds through to 70-year-olds come in and have a good time, and families and couples on dates,” Ms Larsen said.
You can visit Retro Arcade Wednesdays through Sunday.
Upcoming Businesses
Home & Co – Palmerin St, Warwick
In April of this year, Colliers announced a follow up development to Albion St’s Home & Life.
Slated for Warwick’s main street, the development will see a quieter end of the CBD transformed into a business precinct.
As of April, Colliers are at this stage looking to secure tenants for the project’s future development.
“This prime location boasts strategic positioning with prominent frontage along both the high retail street and the Cunningham Highway,” the site’s listing said.
“The site presents unparalleled brand exposure … Take advantage of exceptional signage opportunities along the Cunningham Highway and triple street frontage, ensuring maximum visibility.”
Palace Hotel – 161 Palmerin St
A former bustling night-life venue, left abandoned for a decade, might soon be getting a major facelift.
The Palace Hotel on Palmerin St closed in 2015 and has been dark and empty since, however, developers plan to turn the site into a retail, accommodation and entertainment hub.
Documents show the ultimate plan for the site would include the revitalisation and expansion of the existing Palace Hotel – including a beer garden, the establishment of complementary short-term accommodation, separate retail tenancies, and a range of residential units.
It is understood the development is currently in the decision stage, with council to likely vote on the future of the site at an upcoming council meeting.
Meteora Vineyard – Ballandean
South of Warwick, the Granite Belt could have a new addition in its expansive food and wine industry which draws tens of thousands of visitors to the region every year.
Southern Downs Regional Council has approved plans for Meteora Vineyard, at Ballandean, helmed by National Storage founder Andrew Catsoulis and wife Karen.
Mr Catsoulis told this publication his love for the outdoors and the Granite Belt region were the driving forces behind the decision to invest in his own vineyard.
The vineyard will take up residence in Ballandean and is set to include a specialty crafted cellar door, large amphitheatre, as well as three eco friendly cabins.
Furthermore, the site will grow and sell produce such as honey, olives and olive oil.
“We have nothing but respect for other tourism operators in the region and are working closely with local trades, producers as well as renowned wine growers in the region,” he said.
“What we’re really looking to create is an end to end ecosystem where we produce wine from grapes we’ve grown ourselves.”
The vineyard is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025.
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