The handsome Heritage Hotel of Rockhampton is undergoing an usual sale process, mustering Queensland sporting greats Gorden Tallis, Nick Gregorski, Mark Knowles and Scott Prince, and a host of new owners.
Built 1898 on Rockhampton’s riverfront, the three-storey premise was formerly known as the Commercial Hotel, and is considered a sister venue to Brisbane’s famous Regatta Hotel.
Gavin Shuker is a former World Cup touch football player, with a business background at international clothing label Inferno. In 2018 he formed The Rocky Sports Club.
Having mused the concept for some time, Shuker has now begun an Expressions of Interest campaign, offering anyone the opportunity to buy “a brick” at the beloved watering hole, to be known as The Heritage People’s Pub.
Believing it would be best to have the Hotel stay in private hands rather than become part of a corporate group, he is offering 1,250 bricks, for $5k each.
Shuker broached the idea with some friends, including fellow sports stars, finding favour with an assortment of disciplines, and another local.
Nick “Gorko” Gregorski, as well as having played Super Rugby, Australian 7s and with the Wallabies, is also a fifth-generation publican, steering the ship at hotels in Brisbane including his iconic Port Office Hotel, plus the Royal Hotel in Townsville.
Gordon Tallis played 54 games for the St George Dragons and 158 games for the Brisbane Broncos, as well as 17 State of Origin matches for Queensland.
Scott Prince began as a junior with North Queensland Cowboys, going on to play for the Brisbane Broncos, Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans, before retiring in 2013.
Mark Knowles, from Rockhampton, took gold in hockey at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and was a flag bearer at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. In 2015 he was named in the 2014 World Players of the Year.
Launched this week, the EOI has reportedly been swamped with enquiries, coming from across Australia and across the ditch, out of New Zealand. It will be active for a few more weeks, aiming to finalise the process by mid-December, followed by an opening launch for all new owners.
Owners of a brick will be given an exclusive owner’s card, plus discounts on food and beverages, and invitations to owner functions and activations.
And the deal comes with a ‘safety net’ – a 12-month buy back guarantee.
Shuker and co have a lot in mind for the Rocky pub, notably including a sports bar with memorabilia from each of the sporting owners, and goal to be the best steakhouse in Rockhampton, which is known as the Beef Capital.
Looking at the trend of ‘hidden’ bars appearing in tucked-away locations in the capitals, Shucker is also considering the first of this genre in Rockhampton, designed to encapsulate the pub’s history.
