Dixon Group has expanded into another state, picking up the operation of Shenannigans in Darwin.
Shenannigans, known locally as “Shags”, is an Irish-themed party pub that opened 21 years ago, and has largely set the tone for the city’s Mitchell St entertainment strip.
The pub was created by brothers Justin and Michael Coleman, who have gone on to launch a tavern in Palmerston, and are under construction on another in a retail complex, set to open in 2018.
The sale price of the leasehold operation was not disclosed, subject to a confidentiality agreement, and the business is leased to freehold owner Gina Donatelli.
Justin Coleman says they have put their “heart and soul” into Shenannigans, and divestment comes with mixed emotions.
“Everyone who works and drinks there knows it’s one big family, so it can be hard to move on.
“However, with our portfolio of hospitality ventures growing and the opening next year of our biggest project to date at the Gateway Shopping complex, the timing is right.”
Dixon Hospitality Group (DHG) has cut a rapid path of expansion, growing from none to 48 venues in just a few years, largely courtesy of whole portfolio acquisitions such as Open Door Pub Co and Drink n Dine.
DHG’s portfolio counts pubs in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, and now the Northern Territory, the sale brokered by Savills Australia’s Brent McCarthy.
“Shenannigans is a great business with a loyal local following,” said DHG CEO Paul Waterson. “We are very excited at the prospect of growing into the Darwin market, and this was the perfect opportunity,”
One of the central venues in a party-town precinct, Shenannigans has employed over 4,000 staff since its inception and Coleman praised them as the “backbone of the business”. DHG has committed to retaining all current staff.
