LOCAL NEWS
Thursday June 2, 2016
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Surprise farewell - end of an era for the Bortoli family building a Murwillumbah icon, local couple John (Bort) and Laurie Bortoli have sold the much-loved Riverview Hotel.
As the ink dries on the final paperwork for the sale, the pub staff contacted The Weekly on Monday to request a surprise local story about the much heralded pub. The staff and regulars are a big Riverview family and would like to thank Bort and Laurie for their hospitality in their home and wish them well on their retirement.
Bort and Laurie Bortoli are looking forward to retirement
“Bort and Laurie, you will be sorely missed and many thanks for all the good times,” manager Rebecca Foster said. The Riverview Hotel, or Riv as the locals know it, has developed into one of the best venues in the Tweed Valley. From raging parties to intimate wedding ceremonies, the Riverview has been shaped into a platform for residents and visitors to celebrate their special moments. One of the reasons the Riverview is such a good venue is thanks to the refurbishments and investments made by the Bortoli family, who have a long history as publicans across the Tweed and were the previous owners of the Imperial Hotel. Mrs Foster heaped praise on Bort and Laurie, describing them as “big-hearted” and a “caring local couple” who put the community first when building the Riverview to the established venue it is today. “While it’s sad to see them go, it’s also nice to think they can finally enjoy a relaxing retirement and take it easy,” she said. Mrs Foster said the memories were too long to list, but some of the standouts were the Bortoli’s support for local
initiatives which was at the core of the family’s vision. “Bort and Laurie have been huge supporters of local sporting clubs, hosting charity events and providing a platform for individuals to fundraise for worthy causes and to make a positive impact on their community,” Mrs Foster said. “They’ve seen it all at the Riv and always managed to make sure the staff and customers came first in their decisions.” Mrs Foster said she was pleased to announce that Tony Foran will remain the Riverview Hotel manager and the staffing will also remain in its current form. “There’s no big changes to be made with new owners, John Schlederer and his family,” she said. “We’re delighted to welcome the new owners and hope the community will join us in sending off Bort and Laurie, while welcoming the new owners into the Riv community.” Last drinks for Bort and Laurie will occur on Thursday, June 30, from 7pm, there will be a Joker Draw, all are welcome. The courtesy bus will be running from 5pm. For further information, phone: (02) 6672 1006.
The Riverview Hotel family and staff will give the Bortoli family a big send off this month after the Riv sold.
You! We Look Forward To Seeing
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AFTER TEN years of dedicated service and
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