The Bay-side suburb of Mentone will be welcoming new owners to its only pub – the Corner Store – as the Joneses look to keep up with the potential.
Mentone is around 20 kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD, and like many suburbs bordering Port Phillip Bay is growing in popularity, population and facility.
The area’s high-profile namesake, the Mentone Hotel, formerly the Edgewater Hotel and known colloquially as ‘The Edgy’, has been the subject of a high-profile debate around preserving its historic appearance, as developers continue to transform large hotel sites into mixed-use residential structures.
The Corner Store has been the precinct’s only pub since the Mentone closed in late 2014.
The operation has now been acquired by brothers Damien and Tim Jones, formerly of Red Rock Leisure, who plan to make the most of the Corner’s exclusivity.
“We’re incredibly excited to take the reins at the Corner Store – an already well established venue in Mentone with a strong reputation,” said Damien.
“With both Tim and I having 20+ years of experience in hospitality, we look forward to taking the Corner Store into a new and exciting era, ensuring the best possible service for our customers.”
The leasehold was marketed via an Expressions of Interest campaign by CBRE Hotels, with multiple offers received and an “agreement reached shortly thereafter” the closing date.
“The popularity of Bay-side areas continues to grow, with big redevelopments taking place, and many young families moving in,” said CBRE’s Scott Callow.
Callow was assisted on the campaign by latest recruit Will Connolly, who told PubTIC he thinks he has chosen a good time to further his career in Victorian pub real estate.
“I’m thrilled to be joining CBRE. I’ll be working with a dynamic team with the added value of working under Scott Callow, who’s experience will be invaluable.
“Melbourne’s hospitality scene is experiencing one of its most buoyant eras, so it’s a great time to be on board.”
