David Tomsic’s Black Rhino Group has maintained momentum into South Australia, locking in his third pub in the new state – the George Hotel, in Millicent.
Previously known as the Sportman’s Hotel, the rebranded The George is on main drag George Street through town.
The unobtrusive façade fronts a popular locals bar, with members draws and meat raffles, kitchen and bistro and gaming operation with 32 machines, although permitted to have 40.
For the past 20 years it has been in the hands of Dale Wasley, who took the opportunity during the COVID closure of 2020 to remodel The George, including painting the interior and exterior.
Wasley and his business partner have now sold the freehold going concern to the Melbourne-based Black Rhino Group, through Grant Clarke at McGees, for an undisclosed sum.
Tomsic says he thinks it will benefit from a renewed focus, and full complement of EGMs, and is happy with the latest purchase.
“It was a no-brainer. I’ll give it a bit of a reno, but nothing major.
“It’s in really good condition. The guys did a sensational job.”
The town of Millicent is about a 30-minute drive from Mount Gambier, and 400 kilometres south of Adelaide, with a local population of around 5,000 people and only three pubs.
“All these little towns, I think they’re sensational,” Tomsic says.
