One of largest and most successful family-owned hotel groups in South Australia has finalised a succession plan it says will “strengthen the future of its hotels for the next generations”.
Matthews Hospitality was established during World War II by Seymour and Doris “Dossie” Matthews, starting with a lease on the Bayview Hotel in Whyalla.
Since then the group has owned, operated and sold many iconic venues, totalling some 36 hotel licences and freeholds.
They have a proud legacy of pioneering innovation, laying claim to have established the first drive-thru bottleshop, smorgasbord and counter meals in Australia, while championing live entertainment in their hotels, hosting world-famous acts including AC/DC and Cold Chisel.
Seymour and Dossie had two sons – Guy, and Tony, who sadly passed away in March 2019.
Tony had three children – Lisa, Scott and Ward Matthews, who have now acquired seven of the nine Matthews Hospitality venues and will retain the company name and brand. Group general manager Andrew Kemp is stepping up as CEO.
Staying in the Matthews collection are: Feathers Hotel, Maylands Hotel, Buckingham Arms, Eyre Hotel, Mount Gambier Hotel, Park Hotel and South Eastern Hotel, as well as Colhurst House B&B and Witches Brew Liquor.
The remaining venues, the Flagstaff and Mansfield Park Hotels, are being acquired by the siblings’ uncle Guy, and cousins Shaun, Brett and William. Guy, Shaun and Brett will subsequently resign as directors of Matthews Hospitality.
The new entities offer it is “business as usual” for customers at all the venues, as new stakeholders take the reins.
“Matthews Hospitality has a proud family history, legacy and values, and our succession plan is designed to preserve and honour these qualities for future generations.
“We are deeply rooted in our communities and we are passionate about the industry and the diversity of our hotels. We look forward to continuing to build and nurture these relationships with our communities who support us.”
