Ten venues handed over: Major Brisbane and Gold Coast hospitality shake up

A Gold Coast hospitality powerhouse is offloading 10 of its pubs, nightclubs and hotel bars to another major player. FULL STORY

A Gold Coast and Brisbane hospitality giant has sold a swathe of venues to another major player which owns and operates over 200 venues across Australia.

Hallmark Hospitality, which announced the sale to staff on September 3, said the sold venues - which includes six in Brisbane and four on the Gold Coast - would continue to operate as usual.

An Australian Venue Co spokeswoman said they had acquired the leaseholds of ten venues from the Hallmark Hospitality portfolio.

“These venues include The Cavill Hotel, Finn McCool’s Brisbane & Gold Coast, The Lord Alfred, Sandbar, Lefty’s Music Hall, Retro’s Brisbane & Gold Coast, Hey Chica and Enigma.

“As part of the agreement, the existing teams will continue to operate the venues alongside Australian Venue Co.,” she said.

The Cavill Hotel, Finn McCool’s Gold Coast, Sandbar and Retro’s Gold Coast are all in Surfers Paradise.

CAPTION: Hallmark Group director Scott Hempel and Hallmark general manager Cade Hopman at Finn McCool’s Fortitude Valley ahead of its reopening on November 12.

Hallmark Hospitality managing director Scott Hempel said he believed the venues would continue to thrive under the new ownership.

“Hallmark Hospitality is proud of the exceptional brands and experiences our team have cultivated over the years.

“Each venue, from the vibrant atmosphere of Lefty’s Music Hall to the welcoming charm of Finn McCool’s, holds a special place in the hearts of our local communities.

“We are confident that under the stewardship of Australian Venue Co., these venues will continue to thrive.

“Our dedicated team, who have been the backbone of these successful operations, will remain in place to continue delivering the high-quality service and memorable experiences our patrons expect,” he said.

Paul Waterson of Australian Venue Co Picture: Supplied

Australian Venue Co CEO Paul Waterson said they had admired Hallmark’s “renowned establishments” for some time.

“With venues across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Hallmark Hospitality team has developed some exceptional brands and venue experiences that are well-loved within the local communities.

“From the high-energy Lefty’s Music Hall on Caxton Street to the traditional Finn McCool’s Irish pubs in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, each of the Hallmark Hospitality venues delivers a unique and memorable experience for local customers.

“We look forward to working with the existing teams, who will stay on and continue to operate the venues,” he said.

Back in June, drink pricing wars erupted on the Surfers Paradise party strip Orchid Ave with relative newcomer Fabric nightclub offering $3 drink deals - at the time Hallmark Hospitality management declined to comment.

Originally published as Ten venues handed over: Major Brisbane and Gold Coast hospitality shake up