Dixon Hospitality Group has hit 2018 running, with a new group name and deals for two new northern venues into the stable.
The Victorian-based hotel group fronted by former Spotless director Bruce Dixon has rebranded to Australian Venue Co (AVC), now boasting over 50 hospitality venues across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Northern Territory and most recently Western Australia.
Simultaneously comes announcement that AVC will take control in February of both Friday’s in Brisbane and Darwin’s Monsoons.
Friday’s is a popular bar-restaurant in Brisbane’s Riverside Centre, with sweeping views of Brisbane River and the Story Bridge.
It was established in 1986, and has thrived under the management of the Weller family and partner Nigel Kilvington.
AVC reportedly made an offer on Friday’s mid-2017, and negotiations on the off-market deal were recently concluded through Savills’ Tony Bargwanna.
Monsoons is a Darwin institution that has been owned and operated by Tropics Holdings for over 15 years and enjoys a rich history in the tropical town.
Vendor David Williams agreed to a turn-key deal for the bar and nightclub, which settles next month.
“We have owned Monsoons since 2002 and it has been a fantastic venue for Darwin residents and visitors alike,” says Williams. “We would only sell with our management team in place and to such a professional hospitality group as Australian Venue Co.”
Monsoons was similarly brokered off-market through Savills Australia, via Brent McCarthy.
AVC CEO Paul Waterson described both acquisitions as “institution[s] for locals and neighbours alike, so we are eager to continue growing [their] celebrated reputation.”
Monsoons joins fellow Mitchell St Darwin venue Shenannigans in the AVC portfolio, which it acquired late 2017.
