Under SJH Hotel Fund ownership, the Kent Hotel will be renovated this year
A new business model
Stephen Hunt
Managing Director Hunt Hospitality and SJH Hotel Fund
As Stephen Hunt’s plans for his venues have grown, he’s turned to alternate sources of funding for his business ventures – with great results. STEPHEN HUNT has had a very busy 12 months. As managing director of his family pub group, Hunt Hospitality, the publican has steered the direction of several pubs in the Hunter/Newcastle region of New South Wales, as well as a couple further north. But it’s his SJH Hotel Fund – an unlisted managed
“Always try to over subscribe —
Always try to over subscribe
remember a deal isn’t a deal until the
— remember a deal isn’t a
take on investors you can really trust and
deal until the funds have cleared in your account.
investment scheme structured as a unit trust – that has been abuzz with activity of late. The majority of the venues that were
funds have cleared in your account. Only who have the same expected return you can give.”
ANOTHER BIG YEAR AHEAD The Kent’s revamp is not Hunt’s only
FUND OPPORTUNITIES Having sold the Kent Hotel to the fund,
plans for the year ahead, with investment slated throughout the group. “At The Duke [New Lambton] we have
under Hunt Hospitality have now been
Hunt says it changes the way the business
just finished refurbishing, so hopefully we
sold to the Fund, with Hunt still at
will operate, with new capital allowing for
will reap the rewards of last year’s hard
the operational helm. The latest fund
new possibilities.
work. At The Seabreeze [in Nelson Bay]
acquisition was the Kent Hotel in Hamilton
The hotel will undertake a major
for $24.5 million. Both hospitality vehicles
renovation this year, while still paying
weddings and the like. It’s such a beautiful
have had a year of significant business
homage to its 95-year history. The
spot so we want to capitalise on the views
development.
refurbishment will include a new rooftop
and location. At Finnians [Port Macqaurie]
bar, plus a refresh of the ground floor bar
we will look to put in a DA to expand — it
and gaming room.
is reaching maximum capacity regularly so
“Definite highlights are always when we try new product and marketing development. This year we have created a
Having raised the money for the
we are going to go hard on functions,
we need more space.”
whole new vegan menu, launched a beer
acquisition through a speedy roadshow
and also taken on a new trustee, so our
process, Hunt had plenty of advice to
corporate governance is now all sorted,”
share for operators trying to raise funds:
states Hunt.
“Give yourself plenty of time to raise
development, vertical integration and
the funds; be confident in your product
really focus heavily on investing in my
won the Rising Star award at the AHA NSW
when talking to new investors; and be
team’s education and growth. We have
awards. It’s great for a team member to be
honest about potential risks and returns
some great people in our team and they
acknowledged—we are all chuffed!”
you will offer.
are worth investing in.”
“Also one of our team [Ricci-Lee Wheeler]
Hunt is also keen to invest in his other main asset – his personnel. “I also want to look at more product
February 2020 | 19
OPERATOR
HUNT HOSPITALITY