Craig Shearer’s Kickon Group has announced its expansion into northern Queensland and new partner Bart Furst, in acquisition of Townsville’s The Watermark.
The Watermark, in the heart of Townsville tourist hotspot The Strand, features a relaxed sports bar and contemporary dining restaurant, boasting breathtaking views of Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay.
Kickon embraces a strategy of acquiring traditional, high-volume venues in desirable locations in which they can add value, via structural improvements, talent development and operating efficiencies.
“We are already working with our group executive chef, Jake Furst, on a menu that will really showcase the local ingredients, as well as keeping the classics … that crumbed steak isn’t going anywhere!” offers group founder, Craig Shearer.
Kickon’s portfolio began with Fitzroy North’s The Terminus, and Queensland venues the Plough Inn in Brisbane and The Collective on the Gold Coast.
Launching under the new group name late 2021, with appointment of Duncan Thomson as CEO, heralded two more Queensland venues joining the stable, being The Watermark and Brisbane’s Osbourne Hotel.
Having unveiled their involvement in “Australia’s newest, premier lifestyle destination” – The Continental Sorrento – Kickon welcomes settlement on The Watermark, noting that its culture of customer service was an “immediate indicator” of its suitability in the collection.
The group also welcomes the latest member to its Pub Partnership Program in Bart Furst, who joins the team as both venue manager and business partner in the “Townsville institution”.
“We have some big plans for the venue to freshen it up and be a place for people to get together and enjoy good times with friends and family,” says Bart.
“I’m particularly excited about joining and working with the existing team, who have already been so welcoming to me and my family.”
