AUSTRALIAN
AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL HOTEL INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
Vol. 38 No. 10- November 2021
Raising the Bar in Pro Audio
IN THIS ISSUE: AUDIO SOLUTIONS | INDOOR AIR QUALITY | TECH FOCUS
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CONTENTS & ED’S NOTE
WE ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE DRINKING Get the facts DrinkWise.org.au
Contents
P10
SPECIAL FEATURES
REGULARS
10 Audio Solution: Cali Beach resonates Ed’s
6 News: What’s happening in pubs
14 Indoor Air Quality: The latest hygiene
26 Design & Build: Huntlee Tavern is a
Pick
with the coastal crowd.
gadgets to protect staff and patrons. 18 Human Resources: Staffing tech solutions
and how they give venues an edge. 22 Tech Focus: The latest on bots,
across Australia. Hunter Valley haven with something for everyone. 30 Tales from the Top: Harvest Hotels
launches its second pub fund.
customer loyalty, and locallydeveloped innovations.
Back to indoor environments – a few new
hopeful than they have
the last time Aussie pubs emerged from
in many months. Covid
lockdown, and you can read about some of
restrictions should
these, and their pros and cons, on p14. up to meet Australia’s pent-up demand for
strong summer trade as we finally put the
their favourite pub remains a big challenge
worst of the pandemic behind us.
for the industry. In this issue, we take a look at some of the latest software and apps to
the first time, or reopening after a significant
help not only recruit staff, but also to retain
refresh, that it’s hard to keep up, which is
the ones you have. Read all about it in our
a great problem to have. In this issue, we
tech wrap starting on p18. Cheers!
such, it’s more of a massive open-air beach club featuring numerous pools and nightlife
Amanda Bryan, Editor
options, all located on a Gold Coast high-
E: abryan@intermedia.com.au
rise. It’s called Cali Beach and its operators share their lessons on how to conquer outdoor audio challenges on p10.
4 | Australian Hotelier
GENERAL MANAGER SALES – LIQUOR & HOSPITALITY GROUP: Shane T. Williams GROUP ART DIRECTOR – LIQUOR AND HOSPITALITY: Kea Thorburn kthorburn@intermedia.com.au
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And finally, it’s no secret that staffing back
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take a look at one of these – it’s not a pub as
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hygiene solutions have popped-up since
So many venues are currently opening for
EDITOR: Amanda Bryan abryan@intermedia.com.au
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
starting to feel more
slowly give way as our vaccination rates
PUBLISHER: Paul Wootton
PRODUCTION MANAGER: Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au
Editor’s Note THINGS ARE certainly
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In the
news
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN PUBS ACROSS AUSTRALIA Bruce Mathieson Jr steps away from Endeavour Endeavour Group’s managing director of Hotels, Bruce Mathieson Jr, will leave his role at the helm of the pub operations of the listed giant in December to pursue other interests. Mathieson decided now was the right time to step down and take a break, Endeavour Group CEO Steve Donohue said. Donohue also said Mathieson had made an enormous contribution to the success of the Hotels business since taking on the role of CEO of ALH Group in 2011.
Kitchen staple gets classic makeover
“Bruce has been instrumental in leading the Hotels business through a significant period,
The well-known Praise brand
which has included the successful completion of the merger of ALH Group with Endeavour
of mayo has welcomed a new
Drinks to create Endeavour Group in July 2019, the demerger of Endeavour Group and
arrival called Classic Mayo
Woolworths in June of this year, and navigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
that’s been given the thumbs
Donohue said that during his time with ALH, Mathieson had significantly grown the business from 200 to 341 hotels and had led several large transformation initiatives, including the rollout of new technology to enhance the customer experience across the Hotels portfolio. “Bruce’s expertise and unwavering commitment has been of immense value to Endeavour
up by independent Aussie chefs who tested it. The latest recipe is made from fresh, free-range eggs,
Group and he leaves the Hotel business in a strong position as it enters the next exciting phase
has no artificial colours or
of growth,” he said.
preservatives, and has a
The search for a replacement for Mathieson has commenced, Donohue said.
neutral taste profile, making it a good base for chefs who wish
TABCORP WAIVES ALMOST $200M IN PUB AND CLUB FEES Tabcorp and its gaming services provider MAX have jointly provided $195 million in fee relief to its pub and club customers nationally to September this year. The bulk of this relief – $165 million – comprised of waived fees from MAX, which provides a range of gaming products and professional services. MAX said it has been providing fee relief to its venue partners since the start of the pandemic last year, while continuing to provide services where possible. “To be equitable, fair, and within the spirit of current and future partnerships, we suspended financial obligations,” MAX said.
to add their own flavour twist, says Goodman Fielder brand manager Natasha Raina. “Launching Praise Classic delivers a delicious and quality mayonnaise that is an economical workhorse in the kitchen,” Raina said. “Being time poor, chefs are always looking for products
“The impact of COVID-19 has been challenging for many and continues to affect our
that deliver on convenience
everyday lives. The gaming and hospitality industries have experienced these impacts like
without sacrificing on taste
few others.
and quality. Praise Classic is
MAX said its venue partners had expressed just how critical this support has been to
the perfect base for chefs to
them. “Several have said without the suspension of fees, their businesses would have
build and customise their
struggled to emerge from lengthy and repeated lockdowns.”
own recipes.”
Paul Carew, MAX’s chief operating officer of Gaming Services said, “We’re here to help
The Praise mayonnaise range
them build a plan to get their business into the best possible position, stabilise and grow. I
now includes the Classic 21kg;
extend an open invitation to all our customers and everyone industry-wide to get in touch
Classic 3kg; Whole Egg 3.5kg
with our team. We’re here to support you through these uncertain times and ready to work
and 99% Fat Free 3.5kg.
with you.”
6 | Australian Hotelier
NEW JOSE CUERVO
SPARKLING
MARGARITA Redcape reveals buyback results Eighty per cent of Redcape’s non-institutional investors have chosen to stick with the pub group according to the results of a share buyback undertaken as part of the group’s ASX delisting. Under the delisting plan, Redcape shareholders were given an option to either remain invested in Redcape as an open-ended unlisted fund or exit in an off-market buy-back at $1.15 per security. Redcape says it received applications for 126.5 million ordinary securities, which was well below the maximum amount of 215 million shares that Redcape was permitted to buy back. The low take-up means those Redcap investors choosing to exit will do so at a premium price as no scale-back will apply. Redcape announced its plans to delist in August which it attributed to difficulty in obtaining broader institution and retail investor support despite its strong performance. “The result of the buyback demonstrates the strong ongoing support of Redcape’s investor base,” Redcape chairman Nick Collishaw said. “Over 80 per cent of non-institutional investors able to retain their holding in the unlisted fund have elected to do so, thus allowing the remainder to exit in full at a significant premium to historical trading prices.” Redcape CEO Dan Brady said, “The outcome of the buy-back together with investor feedback is a clear endorsement of the delisting proposal.”
Keep up with the latest industry news! Subscribe now to our fortnightly newsletter: https://theshout.com.au/ australian-hotelier/subscribe/
SUMMER’S NEW DRINK Jose Cuervo® and other trademarks are owned by Tequila Cuervo La Rojeña, S.A. de C.V. Please Enjoy Responsibly.
INVESTMENTS
Hostplus taps into pub power and clean energy Hostplus CEO David Elia discusses the industry super fund’s latest moves to invest in pub assets and clean energy.
INDUSTRY SUPER fund Hostplus recently
a major clean-energy breakthrough. CFS
employer otherwise. Further details about
joined Charter Hall’s Long Wale REIT
successfully tested a high-temperature
the Your Future, Your Super legislation are
(CLW) in a bid for 78 pub assets owned
superconducting magnet.
available on the Hostplus website.
by ALE Property group – a move that aims to generate strong returns for members. CLW and Hostplus will each hold a
According to Elia, this breakthrough
“Our team of dedicated Key Account
marks a significant milestone in the
Coordinators and Account Managers is
world’s transition to renewable energy.
ready to help employers understand and
50 per cent stake in ALE on completion,
The test established that the magnet
meet these new requirements,” Elia says.
Hostplus CEO David Elia says, and the
could create a powerful enough magnetic
“Support is available face-to-face, online
properties will provide Hostplus with
field to achieve net positive energy through
and over the phone.”
an attractive rental income profile,
fusion technology – the same energy that
and because they’re leased on a triple
powers the sun.
net basis, capital expenditure is the responsibility of the tenant. “This investment is an incredible opportunity for Hostplus members to gain exposure to a large-scale portfolio of
CFS is now on course to establish
Importantly, businesses will still need to nominate a default fund. However, only staff who are new to the workforce
the first test plant, and the company is
– those who haven’t had a super account
looking to achieve sustained fusion energy
previously and haven’t elected a fund
generation by 2025.
themselves – can be allocated to the
“Climate change is one of the biggest
employer’s selected default fund.
high-quality hospitality assets,” Elia says.
challenges facing the world today.
“This investment is another way we
Our investment in CFS is just one
employers to make sure your default fund
can work towards delivering retirement
element in our commitment to support
is a top performer,” Elia says.
income security to our members. These
the development of renewable and
are well-located properties with a high-
sustainable forms of energy,” Elia says.
quality tenant. “As well as being a good investment
Supporting reopening
“So it’s even more important for
APRA performance test Hostplus also recently received confirmation from the Australian
for our members, it’s also great that it
As Australia begins to open up in line
Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA)
supports the hospitality industry, which is
with vaccination rates, Hostplus is also
that the Fund has passed the regulator’s
significant to our origins.”
keen to support reopening hospitality
MySuper performance test.
Clean energy breakthrough
businesses, Elia says. This support is
“Our pass mark from APRA is another
especially timely, as changes to super
indicator that our MySuper Balanced
Hostplus members’ funds are also
default arrangements and administration
option is achieving its long-term
being invested in a range of innovative
took effect on 1 November 2021.
investment outcomes,” Elia says.
opportunities to maximise future growth
The changes, under new legislation
You can read more about the APRA
and capital returns – in fact, the Fund
known as ‘Your Future, Your Super’,
performance test, as well as Hostplus’
is one of Australia’s largest institutional
require employers to determine if new
recent investment performance, on the
investors in venture capital funds and
staff members already have an active
Hostplus website – hostplus.com.au/news.
start-up companies, according to Elia.
super account. If they do, their super
One of these start-ups, Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), recently achieved
8 | Australian Hotelier
contributions must be paid to this account, unless the employee directs the
The information in this article is intended as general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.
ww
w.h o
stp lus .c
om .
au
HOSTPLUS DELIVERS A PERSONAL BEST RETURN OF 21.3%^ IN 2021 Not only has Hostplus delivered its best ever single-year return for its Balanced (MySuper) Option, we’ve delivered top returns over the long term . Good numbers however you read it and a real WIN WIN for our members’ retirement savings. #
^Hostplus’ Balanced (MySuper) Option net annual return 2021. #20-year investment returns as reported in SuperRatings Accumulation Fund Crediting Rate Survey – SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index, 30 June 2021. Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund (the Fund) ABN 68 657 495 890, MySuper No 68 657 495 890 198. This information is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if this information is appropriate for you in light of your circumstances before acting on it. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and should never be the sole factor considered when selecting a superannuation fund. Please read the relevant Hostplus Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD), available at hostplus.com.au before making a decision about Hostplus. HP1548
AUDIO SOLUTIONS
Cali Beach resonates with the coastal crowd A newly opened $10m rooftop venue called Cali Beach has installed a cutting-edge all-weather audio solution that’s in tune with its elevated, open-air environment – and doesn’t keep the neighbours awake. CALI BEACH is a brand new multi-
It’s more than an adult party venue,
faceted rooftop venue located on a
though, according to Keegan. “Sound
Gold Coast high rise. The first-of-
is critical for a venue like this. When
its-kind open-air beach club, which
you’re so focused on live entertainment
sits on the fourth floor of a high rise
and acts, and operating right
in the heart of Surfers Paradise,
throughout the day, you need to have a
opened its doors in September with a
fantastic sound. That’s what resonates
footprint of more than 5000 sqm.
with customers.”
This new style of venue development
a dozen Gold Coast’s nightclubs and
court, several bars, and outdoor deck
restaurants, so Keegan understood
areas and cabanas – all with ocean views.
the audio challenges that would be
Cali Beach is also a night-time party and entertainment hub, and offers multiple dining options, a DJ area, and an outdoor cinema. “We have DJs booked every single
10 | Australian Hotelier
Artesian Hospitality operates half
boasts four pools, a beach volleyball
involved in running open-air parties in the middle of a high-rise precinct. “We have neighbours right at our doorstep but no walls or rooves that traditionally assist in containing noise,
weekend, and a superior audio-visual
so we had to work very hard from an
offering as well. The upbeat party
acoustic engineering perspective.
atmosphere is something else under
“We had to make sure we had
the stars,” says Matthew Keegan, a
correct placement and the correct
partner in Artesian Hospitality, the
style of loudspeaker system in order
owner and operator of the venue.
to mitigate dispersion and maximise
AUDIO SOLUTIONS
MADISONAV SPECIALISES in the distribution and support of professional audio-visual products and solutions to AV integration and broadcast companies. The company’s national business development manager for audio, Benjamin Page, says it wasn’t the size of the Cali Beach project, but more its unique location – on a Surfers Paradise rooftop, totally exposed to elements, and close to residential areas – that set it apart. “We had to meet two requirements, and the first was weatherisation. JBL is the only manufacturer offering a tropicalrated weatherisation on timber loudspeaker products. “Secondly, because it was an exposed venue with residential high-rises all around it, we had to control sound exposure, and the JBL products gave us the directivity and control we needed to meet council requirements the quality of the sound within the venue,
outdoor coastal location, which meant that
and at the same time offer a
which is absolutely critical to the customer
selecting the right speakers would be key.
nightclub-style atmosphere.”
experience.”
Sound control Given the crucial role sound would play in the equation, and in light of the elevated,
“Getting a very tight pattern control,
Page says this was achieved
making it sound great, and weatherproofing
using special acoustic modelling,
– given we’re right next to the beach – were
a free service that MadisonAV
the three crucial elements,” he says.
offers all clients, whether
JBL Professional’s range of weatherised
they’re fitting out boardrooms or
open-air environment, Keegan says they
loudspeakers with high levels of pattern
football stadiums. It conducts
also needed a solution that could be
control were chosen for the task, he says.
this modelling inhouse using
relied on to perform even when subjected
“JBL ticked all the boxes. Its weatherproof
DDA (Digital Directivity Analysis)
to winds, salt air and high levels of
range of speakers are designed for these
software from Harman.
competing noise.
harsh environments, the range has the right
“The brief to Prestige Group, who were
“We were able to map the
SPL specifications for the project, and the
entire block using that software
our AV consultants on this job, was that
JBL product range has all of the speaker
and look at the different
we wanted to take the experience you can
dimensions, dispersion characteristics and
frequencies and how they
typically expect inside a venue, for example
frequency responses that we needed.”
penetrated other structures. That
in a nightclub or in a bar atmosphere,
way we could see the exposed
and have that same experience here in an
Hardware selection
outdoor environment.”
“The beauty of the JBL product range is
with loud-speaker placement to
areas and then address those
Prestige Group’s GM Nathan Wright says
there’s a speaker for every eventuality,”
avoid the audio getting out of the
the main challenges in fulfilling this brief were
Wright says. “Predominantly, we used a
venue,” Page says.
the nearby residential high-rises, and the
combination of CBT column and AWC full-
November 2021 | 11
AUDIO SOLUTIONS
range coax speakers. They combined seamlessly to create the right experience for everyone.” There are around 80 loudspeakers in total in the Cali Beach project, many operating in nearfield mode to restrict spill outside the venue. Crown CDI series amplifiers, along with BSS processing and BLU Link networking, were chosen for processing and amplification duties. “We’re running about 40 different channels of audio output zones here, and it’s just one Ethernet cable linking between the amplifiers. That makes life from a patching and installation point of view just so much easier,” Wright says. MadisonAV, in partnership with JBL, assisted on the project, Wright says. “They helped us with the 3D modelling and in recommending speakers. They were here through the whole process to answer any questions. And it put everyone at ease having the team from Madison on board to help support us during the installation process.” Keegan also praised the sound, the installation, and the collaboration. “We’ve been very happy with JBL,” he says. “It’s been an extremely smooth experience dealing with both Prestige and MadisonAV. “We got a lot of feedback from them in terms of modelling and speaker selection and things like that which were obviously very important to us here at Cali, given the conditions that we’re operating in and the challenges that we face. “And since we’ve had our opening weekend and we’ve been able to test the system, I think everyone says they’ve had a great time, and from my perspective as a venue owner, we’re very happy.”
12 | Australian Hotelier
We wanted to take the experience you can typically expect inside a venue, and have that same experience here in an outdoor environment.
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INDOOR AIR QUALITY
The elephant in the room With indoor air quality sharply in focus this summer, Carl Pavett of Hunter Technologies discusses some of the methods available to venues for a safer reopening.
As vaccine roadmaps are met and venues open
NSW schools are relying on ventilation, following
up around the country, many are contemplating
an audit that showed schools could operate safely
investments in new types of technology that can
with the proper use of fresh air ventilation only.
cleanse their indoor air spaces to keep staff and patrons as safe as possible. Air quality is not something many of us have
The NSW government has since conducted a state-wide review of all windows, fans and ventilation systems in more than 150,000 spaces
thought too much about until now, says Carl Pavett,
2200 public schools to ensure they can be operated
managing director of Hunter Technologies. Even
as intended. This included checking more 650,000
last year, he says, it was not really a big part of
windows, 200,000 ceiling and wall fans, and 19,000
people’s post-pandemic planning.
extractor fans.
“All around the world, schools, bars, hotels, pubs
However, at times when maximising natural
and any indoor venues are now looking at the best
ventilation won’t work, say due to bushfire smoke
ways to make sure the air we breathe is clean and
or poor air quality, air purification systems will be
safe,” he says.
provided to schools, with a number of air purifiers
The main types of anti-viral options open to these groups come in three categories, according to
being purchased with this in mind. Many venues are also embracing ventilation
Pavett – ventilation, purifiers, and air treatment. So
as an air quality strategy, and to this end have
what are these technologies and what are the pros
upgraded, expanded and spruced up their rooftops
and cons of each?
and beer gardens. In NSW, restaurants, bars and cafes can also gain access to government grants
14 | Australian Hotelier
Ventilation
to expand alfresco dining into their car parks and
Ventilation could be as simple as keeping doors and
gardens temporarily over the summer, and outdoor
windows open. Its advantages are obvious – it’s easy,
dining exemptions on footpaths for small bars
it’s free, and it allows fresh air to enter the venue.
and pubs will also be made permanent under the
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
government’s $66 million Alfresco Restart Initiative. Despite its many advantages as a standalone air quality solution, however, ventilation is not always practical, Pavett says. “Some indoor areas don’t have enough windows and doors to open, or they may not be practicable to open, as this will make the room to hot or cold for the people inside, and can also have a major effect on heating and cooling costs for the building. “The ventilation approach is okay with typical
All around the world, schools, bars, hotels, pubs and any indoor venues are now looking at the best ways to make sure the air we breathe is clean and safe.
weather, but after Christmas on those 40-degree days, we’ll want to shut the doors and use an
Purifiers
air conditioner.”
Air filter technology that purifies the air is now being
These systems also don’t work well when the air quality outside is poor, such as during bushfires or for bars in located on busy city streets. There are also mechanical options, such as
adopted around the world to curb the spread of Covid in indoor settings, including public transport. These systems suck in air and run it through a filtration system. Victorian schools are a
fresh air ventilation systems that suck air in from
high-profile adopter of this purifying tech. In
outside, Pavett notes, however these systems
September the state government announced
are expensive and have the same limitations as
51,000 air purification devices from Samsung
windows and doors.
would be delivered to every state, and low-fee
Ventilation can be achieved mechanically, or simply by opening doors and windows.
November 2021 | 15
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Air purifiers suck in air and run it through a filtration system. Their success hinges on the quality of the filtration and the time it takes to purify the room.
Catholic and independent school in Victoria at a
Air treatment
cost of $190 million.
Air treatment is another option that many venues are
In another example of this type of technology,
looking at. Treatment systems work by pushing safe
Aeris Environmental is an Australian company that
substances into the air that are capable of reacting
has patented an air filter treatment technology. The
with and removing specific aerosols such as Covid,
treatment is sprayed onto deep bed HVAC filters
and it is this type of tech that Hunter Technologies
to help prevent microbial pathogens from passing
is backing.
through the system and spreading to other areas of the building or indoor space. Another purifier that has been designed to kill the
Healthier air is a heathier room.
says Pavett, is that they can improve the quality of the air quite quickly compared to purification, and
virus in poorly ventilated indoor spaces comes from
can also be used alongside heating and cooling,
Rentokil Initial which has partnered with Radic8 to
unlike ventilation.
bring a product called Viruskiller, to Australia and New Zealand for the first time. Many venues are using these types of solutions,
The units are also versatile, coming in portable and wall mountable variants, or for larger venues, they can be installed directly into the heating,
Pavett says. “These systems will improve the air
ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) to
quality and make a nicer indoor environment and
treat the air in a large venue.
that is a great thing for everyone involved. Healthier air is a heathier room.” The success of purifiers largely hinges on the
Hunter Technologies’ air treatment product is called HQAir and it works by releasing a charged Ion called a Hydroxyl into the air which can break
quality of filtration, he says, as well as the time it
down contaminants such as Covid and other viruses
takes to purify a room.
within an hour.
“It’s important to ascertain whether the filters in
Pavett says the cost of installing HQAir ranges
the system have been designed to remove Covid.
from $5,000-8,000 for the average small bar and
And because the air must first travel through the
up to $15,000 for a multi-room venue.
filter, it can take a while before the air in all parts of the room moves through the system.”
16 | Australian Hotelier
The advantages of this approach for venues,
Independent Bar Association president Karl Schlothauer recently announced that several
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Sydney bars had installed HQAir, including Pocket Bar in Terrigal, Stitch Bar in the Sydney CBD, Jacobys Tiki Bar in Enmore, Earls Duke Joint in Newtown, Fortune of War at The Rocks, and The Bearded Tit in Redfern. “The hydroxyl technology has been embraced by bars in the USA because it’s currently the only air purification system that stands up to FDA (Food and Drug Administration) level testing to actively reduce viral contamination in occupied spaces, which is why it suits our venues so well,” Schlothauer says. “The same systems are now being installed in a variety of other Australian venues, including schools, hotels, hair salons and churches, so I’m really pleased that small bars are leading the way in Sydney.” The small bars initiative has been applauded by NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues. “We know that safety is a key consideration for many people when it comes to going out,” he says. “Industry-led initiatives like this one that build consumer confidence are not only welcomed – they are much needed.”
A HQAir unit in use at Jacobys Tiki Bar in Enmore
Hydroxyl Technology HQAir produces Ions and Free Hydroxyl Radicals, is more efficient at removing pathogens –including COVID-19 – from the air and hard and soft surfaces
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HUMAN RESOURCES
Staffing apps that give venues an edge Post-pandemic recovery for pubs hinges on successful recruitment and retention. Software developers say their solutions – and some edgy new features – can help venues navigate this pivotal issue. 18 | Australian Hotelier
SINCE THE start of the pandemic in Australia in
workers on visas who had to return home during
April 2020, there has been a 90 per cent drop in
the pandemic, and staff who have made the move
worker shifts in Australian pubs as a direct result
into new ‘more stable’ industries like construction,
of restrictions, lockdowns, and border closures,
one of the main concerns for the coming months
according to data from scheduling app Deputy.
is being able to adequately staff to suit demand as
Pubs were hit harder than the broader hospitality industry – which saw a 75 per cent decline – as
Australia reopens.” Drawn directly from Deputy’s pooled and
they were less able to pivot into alternative revenue
anonymised customer data from 7,000 hospitality
generators such as takeaway.
businesses, these statistics demonstrate the
These numbers show that pubs had to let go
challenge pubs face in the coming months as
of more staff members than any other segment
they try to staff up and recover from the toughest
in the severely impacted hospitality sector,
conditions many have ever faced.
according to Deputy’s general manager for APAC, Shanthy Thurailingam. “We know that part of the fallout from Covid has
It’s not all doom and gloom, however. During the Covid hiatus, many pubs have also taken the opportunity to make improvements, and in many
left the hospitality industry understaffed across the
cases, this has included implementing new software
board,” Thurailingam says. “Between international
systems to help them tackle staffing issues.
HUMAN RESOURCES
RECRUITING TIKTOK-STYLE A game-changing recruitment app that serves up video CVs is taking off in the hospitality space, with two Sydney-based pubs, The Golden Sheaf in Double Bay, and Kings Cross Hotel, among those benefiting from the tech. The app, which is called Zapid Hire, was developed in Australia last year and promises big time savings for recruiters in hospitality and other “deskless” sectors. 20,000 Australian job seekers and more than 300 organisations have already subscribed to the app in less than eight months, according to its creators. Zapid Hire was designed to appeal to Gen Z and young Millennials as it allows job seekers to apply for work via short, personality-driven videos. Hiring managers also post video versions of job ads, with Zapid Hire connecting job candidates with employers via a swipe system and chat feature. Ari Shapurkar, assistant manager at The Golden Sheaf, says hiring staff is his responsibility, and prior to Zapid Hire, he would have to sift through 50 to 80 resumes to find suitable candidates to interview. “I don’t want to read a boring resume,” he says. “I’m not trying to hire a GM, I want banter, and it only takes a few seconds of conversation to make that judgement.” Joshua Smith, assistant manager at the Kings Cross Hotel, said he was introduced to Zapid Hire at a time when the pub was struggling to find and onboard staff. “The video CVs allow me to gain a better understanding of candidates’ personalities, allowing for more streamlined recruitment.” Thurailingam says these efforts will pay off.
Zapid Hire co-founder and CEO, Andrew Dewez, created the app in
Deputy’s staff scheduling software and apps are
collaboration with Sam Prince, the founder of Mexican food chain Zambrero,
already in use in around 30 per cent of Australia’s
who found the hiring process “ridiculously costly, repetitive, inefficient and
pubs, and these tools not only simplify the
time-consuming”.
management of shift work for the hospitality industry, they can also help venues with staff retention – a crucial capability in the current climate. The imbalance between supply and demand means that business owners may lose staff to other workplaces that are able to make a more enticing
“There is such a shortage of labour, you’ve got to find an applicant and get through the process quickly,” Dewez says. Zapid Hire doesn’t just wait for job seekers to come to the app, it pushes job ads onto Instagram and TikTok to reach more potential candidates. The app is now launching in the US and has already signed on a few locations including Park Hyatt Hotels in New York.
offer, she says, either with above market wages or
For applicants, Zapid hire is free. For employers, it costs $99 per ad or per
with better conditions, so it’s critical that business
month. The Zapid Hire app is available for free download on Google Play and
owners think about how they can continue to be a
the Apple Store.
business that their staff want to work for. Workplace culture, morale and engagement all significantly contribute to staff retention, and Thurailingam points to some of the features developed by Deputy that can make a big difference when it comes to staff choosing whether to go or stay.
FAIR PLAY Deputy provides high visibility around rostering, which makes it easy for managers to spot potential problems, such as whether the same staff members are always being given shifts at unsociable hours or being given
November 2021 | 19
HUMAN RESOURCES
fewer shifts than others, or if they are being rostered
“This type of communication improves a
on for ‘clopening’ (closing and opening) shifts that
venue’s inclusiveness, and this boosts morale,”
don’t give them enough time to rest and recover.
Thurailingam says.
“In an industry that has made it commonplace for staff to work long hours on their feet late into the
MENTAL HEALTH
night, managing these small rostering changes can
Deputy has recently introduced a new feature,
make a huge difference to the motivation of your
a sentiment check, that is now rolling out which
team,” Thurailingam says.
shows how satisfied staff members were with a
TRANSPARENCY
shift or workplace. The app asks them at the end of their shift or
Deputy can support venues in paying staff fairly,
their week to score how they felt, ranging from
and in making it easy for staff to track their
terrible to amazing. The sentiment check also gives
remuneration, as well as their leave entitlements.
them the option of commenting on their score. That
The software can also help remind managers
way their employer can spot potential problems
to celebrate the small things like birthdays and
early and do something to fix them.
“workiversaries”, says Thurailingam. “These are the things that lead to creating a great
“It’s a tool for business owners and managers to use to keep their finger on the pulse of how staff are
team culture by increasing trust and transparency
feeling, and potentially identify any trends or areas
between management and the team.
that they can action to improve staff engagement,”
“These things can be hard to do manually, but with
Thurailingam says.
the right technology, you can easily and efficiently
“You should be listening to your staff now, to
make your pub or bar a place where staff want to
find out what they’re looking for, and how you can
work, because of the culture you’re able to build.”
support them.” Pubs need to start thinking about how to be an
CONNECTION
employer of choice, in attracting and retaining the
Deputy software also provides a central place
best staff, particularly in an industry that has had
where everyone can stay up to date and remain
notoriously high turnover rates, even pre-Covid,
connected with one another, says Thurailingam.
Thurailingam says.
Through a news feed, staff members can find
“The right technology can play a really important
out about events – such as team meetings or social
role in this, ensuring that you’re providing fair
occasions – that they may otherwise not have
schedules, have a streamlined system for annual
heard about if they weren’t in on the day it was
leave, and have an easy way to stay checked in with
announced, resulting in feelings of being left out.
the team.”
20 | Australian Hotelier
You should be listening to your staff now, to find out what they’re looking for, and how you can support them.
If you enjoy your rosters like you enjoy your whiskey (nice and neat) try Deputy
https://www.deputy .c
om/au
/adroster apting-app to-new Scan to take our for-w a ay spin. free. s-of-For work in g
CUSTOMER LOYALTY
Building customer relationships Fifty Merivale venues, including pubs, will soon be dipping into their customer data to provide a more personalised service to patrons.
MERIVALE IS rolling out SevenRooms software across 50 venues between November and March in a bid to build brand loyalty, provide a more personalised service, and enhance its reputation post-COVID. SevenRooms is a data-driven guest experience and retention platform, and Merivale will use the software across its reservations, waitlist and table management, review aggregation and marketing automation operations. Importantly, the software will provide Merivale with a single view of a guest’s spending and preferences across the entire
features that Merivale will benefit from,
the world including local restaurants and
portfolio, regardless of where they dine.
but two capabilities in particular stand
bars, and international, multi-concept
out, Whittaker says.
hospitality groups.
Insights drawn from approved customer data will allow Merivale to offer a more
“The first is being able to better profile
The software company says its product
personalised service that recognises
our guests. SevenRooms will give us
increases operator profitability by leveraging
a guest’s preferences, rewards their
tools to profile them and capture their
guest data to build direct relationships,
patronage, and builds customer loyalty
preferences so we can deliver an even
deliver exceptional experiences, and
and advocacy.
more elevated experience.
increase repeat visits and orders. Last year
“The challenges of the last 18 months
“The second is to provide a more
SevenRooms opened an Australian office,
have demonstrated how vital hospitality is
seamless booking journey, so customers
and pub operator Australian Venue Co. is
in our lives,” Merivale’s food & beverage
can book into any one of our venues
among its local customers.
director Frank Roberts says.
across our entire portfolio.
“As the industry gets set to reopen and
“This will give them a global view of all
“Few industries have been hit harder by the pandemic than hospitality, with
move forward, Merivale is excited to bring
our offers, so they can see what else is
even the biggest established operators
together best-in-class technology with our
available. It will open up the entire world
like Merivale identifying the importance
outstanding talent to create unique and
of Merivale in a more enabled way, and it
of data and technology as the foundation
magical experiences for every person who
will do all of this online, which is the way
for which operators can stand out and
steps into our venues.”
of the future.”
build brand loyalty,” Paul Hadida, general
Laura Whittaker, Merivale’s head
According to Whittaker, the system does
manager APAC at SevenRooms said.
of reservations, says the business had
all the heavy lifting. “That means behind
grown beyond the need for a basic table
the scenes we can trust the system to work
continue to offer guests the experiences
management system. “We needed and
its magic and maximise every single service
they desire by making more informed
wanted so much more.”
the way we do currently via our staff.”
decisions through 360-degree insights
As a data-driven, guest engagement platform, SevenRooms has numerous
22 | Australian Hotelier
SevenRooms software is used by venue operators in more than 250 cities around
“Through SevenRooms, Merivale can
across their customers’ journey, on- and off-premises.”
BUSINESS AUTOMATION
At your service The emerging tech known as RPA can enable some major efficiencies, prevent errors and reduce the potential for fraud for venues.
ROBOTS HAVE been embraced by the
efficiency with a bot undertaking a process
although although our team still do the
industrial sector the world over and are
compared to a human,” Barber says.
reconciliation,” Barber says.
now being introduced into the business
“This allows us to redeploy that time into
world to automate digital tasks.
higher-value activities and better serve
for hundreds of clients, he says, that’s a
our customers.”
full-time role for one person. Thanks to
Colloquially known as ‘bots’, RPA is simply software that automates mundane
The use of a bot to conduct highly
When you’re downloading statements
the bot, that staff member can now be
rules-based processes. A bot can take
sensitive activities, especially around
information, interpret it, and undertake
finance, can also remove the chance
follow-up action.
of human error – or worse, fraud, he
is an error-prone stage of the supplier
says, which together cost the Australian
payments process that Quantaco
economy as much as $100 million per day.
undertakes on behalf of clients.
The origins of bots can be found in banking to remove repetitive tasks. RPA has evolved and is now being used in
“We help create time by reducing
repurposed into higher-value activities. Another process that’s been automated
At the stage after a final approver signs-off
many industries and has grown into a
administrative tasks and providing
on a payment, the process is open to error
$3bn industry.
easy access to informative data on the
and fraudulent activity, as the file sent for
business’s operational success. We also
approval can potentially be manipulated,
is no stranger to bots, having this year
Professional services firm Quantaco
help increase compliance and security
according to Barber.
invested in automation to serve its
while reducing the risk of fraud and
hospitality clients better.
personal liability.”
Quantaco provides its clients with a
Quantaco is now using RPA on behalf
“We now use a robot, so after the payment is approved at a venue, a robot takes that approval and uploads the payment file into
range of hospitality-focused solutions and
of its hospitality clients, Barber says.
the bank. That gives absolute assurance that
services, and it has begun using bots to
“This is quite new for us – we’ve been
the number you press is the number that
boost the efficiency and reduce the chance
working on it for the last six months and
goes out, and it’s also much faster.”
of error or fraud in some of these tasks.
we’ve now got four processes live, which
“We have always been at the forefront
doesn’t sound like much but in terms of
after the pay run has been approved,
volume, it’s massive.“
he says.
of technology, and we feel RPA provides
A similar process is now used in payroll
significant benefits to our customers
One area in which Quantaco is using
“We’ve always used tech in our business
including accuracy, speed as well as
RPA is in reconciling bank statements.
to enable better outcomes for clients – we
security,” says Scott Barber, Quantaco’s
“Historically every single day we would
gave them enterprise technology ten years
chief commercial officer.
download a statement and reconcile every
ago, and we are again ahead of the curve,
“By embedding RPA in our workflow, we
line. We now have a robot that logs in to
embracing better tech to create better
have seen an up to 80 per cent increase in
the bank and downloads the statement,
outcomes for our clients.”
November 2021 | 23
TECH FOCUS
Local solutions to common problems We take a look at how the latest digital offerings are helping Australian pub operators solve some of their trickiest business problems. Digitising daily takings
into the Wirely hub, the cash up process
Booking solution ticks boxes
Sydney Collective has found relief from
is simple.”
Publican Chris Deale from the Dove &
the dreaded daily takings sheet with a new
Olive in Sydney’s Surry Hills has been
Computerised compliance
using the Resdiary online table booking
Collective Heads, a fast-growing
system for its dining offering for five years,
specifically to help Aussie pubs and clubs
Australian pub operator with venues
and he recently renewed his commitment
manage daily business transactions and cash
in Victoria and Queensland, has
to the platform when it launched
movements more efficiently and effectively.
implemented a workforce management
independently in Australia this year.
digital solution called Wirely. Wirely has been locally developed
According to Sydney Collective founder Fraser Short, by streamlining the daily
platform called Ento. The group is rapidly growing and has
Resdiary was originally the back-end technology for Dimmi (which later became
cash up process, Wirely saves the group
plans to open three to four new venues in
The Fork), until things changed this year
hours of valuable labour costs.
the next six months. Prior to Ento, however,
and Resdiary and The Fork went their
it found managing, securing and onboarding
separate ways.
“We wanted to lessen the burden on our management team in cashing up. We did
its growing workforce a challenge.
“We had a choice at that time to stay with
a trial run for a couple of months at a few
Last year, the group turned to
The Fork and move to its global software
venues and it went very well so we signed
Melbourne-based Ento for a new
booking solution or migrate to Resdiary,
up to take it across every venue.”
workforce management solution, and the
which was becoming a direct booking
business has benefited from a number of
solutions company. We chose to migrate to
in time. “Wirely has probably saved
Short says the major saving has been
features, according to Collective Heads
Resdiary as it met our pub’s needs.”
three and a half hours per pub per night,
CEO Duncan Thomson.
especially in the bigger gaming pubs.
The contactless onboarding feature
According to Deale, unlike most pubs, even before Covid, the Dove & Olive used
Also, there was a manager in each venue
enables the business to communicate with
compiling reports, so that’s another eight
new starters in an engaging way as they are
“We always needed this as our trivia is
hours per week per venue saved.”
setup as an employee, providing them with
popular, so we may have 80 to 100 people
all relevant documentation and a setup on
pre-booked, and the only way to manage that
payroll through the Ento platform.
was with a table booking software solution.”
Excel spreadsheets are still widely used in venues across Australia for everything from performing safe counts and
Labour management, roster forecasting
a table booking solution.
According to Deale, when The Fork
movements, recording daily sales, gaming,
and upskilling are other useful features,
began foreshadowing the platform
Tab & Keno and petty cash transactions.
he says, as well as having the reassurance
change, the Dove & Olive took the
that staff compliance is covered.
opportunity to look around, and opted
Wirely’s CEO Simon Etchells says the industry has been operating its daily
“We need to be in touch with the changing
for Resdiary’s fixed-rate monthly model,
takings with these outdated systems that
world of awards and the like,” he says. “A
rather than the monthly charge plus a per
are both time-consuming and prone to
modern system like Ento has the AI and solid
cover change on offer from The Fork.
errors for too long.
back-end around that to make sure you don’t
“Wirely has digitised the daily takings
get caught out by new changes.
“What we wanted was a ‘Book with Google’ feature, which sees a Google ad
spreadsheet to make it easier and faster to
“As we come out of lockdown, we want
record the many different transactions that
to take ownership to develop our people.
take place in pubs and clubs every day.
We want to be an employer of choice, and
monthly fee and they also had ‘Book with
we want to be confident we are paying
Google’ so they ticked the two boxes, and
people correctly.”
it’s worked really well for us.”
“By connecting multiple systems such as POS, Gaming, ATMs, CRTs and CRs
24 | Australian Hotelier
pop up whenever you Google a restaurant. “Resdiary was offering a fixed flat
Mermaid Tavern Mermaid Beach QLD
61 2 9660 8299 wpaulkellydesign.com.au ww.paulkellyde sign.com.au
The bar makes use of recycled materials including old bridge timber to add the character of the area
DESIGN & BUILD
A Hunter Valley haven FIVE YEARS ago, the land where
Bergstrom Architects, is a Sydney-
Purpose-built from the ground up to serve the budding local community in style, Huntlee Tavern in the NSW Hunter Valley has something for everyone.
fabric to define the different spaces, and
Huntlee Tavern now stands was just an
based business that works around the
they used a lot of recycled materials, such
empty paddock near a soon-to-be-built
state as well as interstate. They were
as fence palings, bricks, and wood from
residential hub called Huntlee in the
tasked with helping to tweak the design
demolished bridges.
Hunter Valley when experienced pub
and internal fitout with the brief to create
operator, Jason Gavin, first spotted
a hotel that looked new but still had the
to add that character of the area,” Gavin
an opportunity.
characteristics of the area – an old country
says. “The bar is my favourite feature of
hotel but brand new.
the pub. It’s a work of art.”
a look at the site, liked what he saw, noted
Something for everyone
lighting was project-managed by Gavin.
Coles was moving into town, and decided
The finished hotel has a bistro area which
Different types of lighting are used in
to buy the land.
includes a large three-storey childrens’
different areas, and his choices reflect the
playground, a kids entertainment room,
recycled theme.
Introduced through a friend to the area, Gavin, an experienced pub operator, took
Gavin says he always intended the
“The bar uses recycled bridge timber
The furniture, the bar finishes, and the
venue to become a destination pub as it’s
as well as seating for functions and an
“It’s very warm and inviting and I’ve
off the main arterial road in the gateway to
outdoor terrace that holds 100 people.
been getting good feedback from other
Hunter Valley, with regional towns such as
The other side of the hotel includes
Maitland, Singleton and Cessnock nearby.
hoteliers and architects,” Gavin says. “We
a lounge bar which doubles up as an
wanted to fit in with the environment, so
And after 25 years in hospitality
entertainment area and dance floor,
we’ve used lots of greens and heritage
and with a degree and experience in
a public bar, a gaming room with 15
colours, and it seemed to fit with what the
construction, Gavin knew what he wanted.
machines, and a second entry.
architects proposed.
“I knew it would have to be big and it
“Bergstrom Architects were fantastic
“Bergstrom Architects really nailed
would have to have all the functions of a
and nailed the interior and the design,”
it with their choice of materials and
tavern,” he says. “I designed a footprint
Gavin says. “It’s such a pretty hotel, and
colours. They understood what I was
for a big open plan hotel with an L shape
functionality-wise we put a lot of effort
after on the project.”
to give the frontage to each main street,
into the different spaces within it so it
with a carpark to make a rectangle.
didn’t look like an RSL.”
“We had the DA approved, and then we
Many small touches also contributed to
Local flavour Bergstrom Architects director Tom
took a look at a few different hotel designs
the hotel’s appeal, Gavin says. Chairs in
Bergstrom says that the tweaks they
and selected Bergstrom Architects.”
each of the different areas had different
suggested to the design included
26 | Australian Hotelier
DESIGN & BUILD
Lighting and fabric tweaks have been used to define the different spaces.
The pub’s L shape gives it two street frontages.
improving the flow at the entry points and also creating some contrast between different spaces in the pub. “It was one big open room, so we wanted to create separation between the different
live entertainment once or twice a month. “We needed to create a space that suited these different demographics, so adaptability around the entertainment offering was key.
The brickwork links the interior and exterior design.
you can watch sport, hang out with friends, and Jason did great job of the furniture, and that fitted into that aesthetic. “When designing a venue, to have a publican who’s worked in building and
areas and provide definition without
in the pub industry is great – he brought
isolating parts of the pub,” Bergstrom says.
ideas to the table and challenged us.”
In terms of layout, the bistro, kitchen and outdoor terrace on the far end attracts diners, families and kids. At the opposite end is the gaming area and sports bar, and a main bar that converts into a live entertainment space. “It’s a nice mix, with the sports bar packed on State of Origin, while on weekends and Mother’s Day, the bistro is packed with diners. This creates a venue that gets those ebbs and flows so it always feels
Bergstrom says the interior design brought
There is a strong connection
the outside in through the use of recycled
between the interior and
brickwork. “There is a strong connection
exterior, and a warm character due to the use of natural materials, warm finishes, and lots of texture to create a rich environment. – Tom Bergstrom.
comfortable but busy,” Bergstrom says.
between the interior and exterior, and a warm character due to the use of natural materials, warm finishes, and lots of texture to create a rich environment.” The outdoor area has also evolved, he says. “The original design was for a big open deck which was weather dependent, and we worked with Jason to develop it, and now it’s got a cover over it and a kids play area,
They also needed to create a venue
and that really creates a real family zone on
that suited the different demographics
Home-spun
of the local area. Huntlee is a brand
“We’ve done a few new-build pubs, and
Another challenge was the acoustics,
new neighbourhood, which means its
the trick is to make something new look
given the pub’s plan to run entertainment
population includes first home buyers,
warm and inviting and lived in, and we
and big rock bands, according to Bergstrom.
young families, and tradies working
did that by using natural materials and
around the Hunter and in Newcastle.
textures to give it that lived-in feeling that
assess that risk and to create a building
everyone loves but they don’t know why
envelope to contain that noise. This was
they love it,” Bergstrom says.
one of our bigger challenges and was
This meant the pub needed to have good pub dining and kids entertainment for families, as well as a sports bar, and good
“It’s like an extended living area where
that side of the venue.”
“We hired an acoustic engineer to
something we worked through.”
November 2021 | 27
DESIGN & BUILD
The outdoor area has evolved into a family zone that includes covered dining and a childrens’ playground.
The busy bistro operates all day long.
this enabled us to open in October just
an entertainment venue. We open for
heavy double-glazed, and the roof has
To do this, the windows have been
before Melbourne Cup, two months
breakfast at 7am and serve lunch and then
extra layers of fibre cement sheeting to
ahead of schedule.”
dinner until 9.30 at night,” Gavin says.
create mass to contain the noise in the
The pub’s opening, which featured
That said, the popularity of the pub
venue. A black acoustic padding was also
Cessnock-bred Newcastle Knights legend
meant they struggled early on to staff up,
used to insulate the ceiling to stop noise
Andrew Johns, was the culmination of
especially the kitchen.
from escaping.
five years of planning. “It was a great time to open, just before
“We started with five in the kitchen and we went straight into doing over 500
Ahead of schedule
Melbourne Cup, although we were booked
covers per sitting, and it was full on. I’ve
The building work started in February
out and we had yet to sort out our teething
now got 22 in the kitchen team.
2020, three weeks before Covid arrived,
problems, but the pub was an instant
but the project managed to avoid getting
success,” Gavin says.
caught up in the first lockdown. “We were pretty lucky,” Gavin says. “The bank was supportive of our project and the construction industry continued on, so the building forged ahead and
28 | Australian Hotelier
Huntlee Tavern now attracts locals and tourists, offers hospitality up to 19 hours a day, and also live entertainment. “We have an all-day venue, and on Saturday nights after nine it turns into
“Also, my cool room was too small, because we didn’t think it would be so busy, so we had to build another out the back. “We thought things may slow down after the honeymoon period, but its several months on and we are still busy.”
BA are proud to be part of the team that delivered the Huntlee Tavern
www.bergstrPh. 02 8920 1499 omarchitects bergstromarchitects.com.au .com.au
Inspire Design Deliver
TALES FROM THE TOP
Seeds of success Harvest Hotels co-founder and director Fraser Haughton discusses the group’s latest pub fund and regional acquisition plans. REGIONAL OPERATOR Harvest Hotels is
bought the Milestone Hotel in Dubbo,
including those who invested in Pub Fund 1,
back in capital raising mode as it aims
and in July it added the William Farrer
and is expected to close this month.
to acquire four large-footprint regional
Hotel in Wagga Wagga to its regional
hotels, starting last month with the Woy
hospitality portfolio.
Woy Hotel on the NSW Central Coast. It’s the first coastal purchase for
Last year in October it bought large-
“We’ve got a very supportive investor base at the moment. Pub fund 1 has done really well and the investors are happy,”
format pub Brady’s Railway Hotel in
Haughton says. “We decided to ring-fence
the operator which has two pubs in
Albury, undertook a major renovation
that pub fund and not end it but not bring
Tamworth, and another three in Wagga
on Tamworth pub, The Courthouse, and
more pubs into it. We decided that was
Wagga, Dubbo and Albury.
successfully divested its Yass pub, the
the best thing for our investors to make
Australian Hotel Motel.
sure they get the best returns possible.”
Cornforth – says Harvest Pub Fund 2
Sea change
operators, and returns for investors are
is seeking to raise $48m, with around
With many larger pub groups focusing
generated from the improvements and
half contributing to the $32m Woy Woy
on metropolitan areas, Harvest Hotels
efficiencies they gain by applying their
purchase and renovation.
is keen to continue its regional-only
business processes to each new venue.
Fraser Haughton – who founded Harvest Hotels with fellow publican Chris
Both founders are former pub
When acquiring a pub, Haughton says,
strategy, according to Haughton, where
Harvest Hotels looks for venues with “good
populations and economies are growing,
systems and processes for improved
bones”, as well as a strong community
with one difference.
oversight, to provide the management
reputation, a central location, and a diverse mix of revenue and offerings. “To date, the venues that we operate
“Unlike the last fund, this one will look
This includes the use of customised
team with real-time data to make informed
to a mix between regional and coastal
decisions in driving the performance of
NSW, with a focus on towns that are
each hotel.
have all been in major rural regional
growing, have infrastructure, a wide
centres, so when the opportunity to
range of services such as universities and
money developing our group systems so
purchase this iconic coastal venue arose,
hospitals, and specific demographics that
we can load those in when we purchase a
we felt it was the perfect addition to our
we think are important,” Haughton says.
pub and implement them, and our scale
portfolio and the right pub to kick off Harvest Pub Fund 2.” It’s been a busy couple of years for the group. In May this year, Harvest Hotels
30 | Australian Hotelier
Harvest Hotels’ first fund, which raised almost $60m, has been going since 2019
“We’ve spent a lot of time, effort and
pays dividends,” Haughton says. “I’m a publican at the core of it, and I like
and is now closed. The $48 million Pub
to think we can also improve the business
Fund 2 is being pitched at wealthy investors
operationally as we have fresh eyes.”
