Consolidating its monopoly in the suburb, Universal has reopened its repositioned Riverview Hotel, following an extensive refurbishment.
Late 2024 the Kospetas family tied up Tempe when it bought the only other hotel in the southern Sydney locale, joining its Tempe Hotel, acquired in 2021.
Drawn to the pub’s commanding visual presence on the Princes Highway, the group planned to capitalise on “synergistic benefits” and opportunity to expand its offerings in the precinct.
They set about renovating and reconfiguring the 1922 watering hole to suit the plans, which has incorporated a sports bar TAB, classic public bar, gaming room with 20 machines, bistro, rear deck beer garden and 14 short-stay accommodation rooms.
Opening the doors 1 October, the public and sports bar now take less retail space as the hotel focuses on attracting customers incentivised by food, ambience and convenience.
The overhauled accommodation will come online from 1 November, offering value for money options in an area of strong demand, only a few kilometres from Sydney Airport.
Universal operated Greek restaurants 1821, and MIM By 1821 (Made in Mykonos) on Sydney’s Pitt Street until its closure last December due to the Wynyard Station redevelopment.
Considering the rich history of the Greek community in the inner west, the family saw Tempe as lacking a sympathetic dining experience and will be launching the new concept from 1 December.
“When we opened Tempe Hotel we were always aiming at developing the concept with further food offerings and activating the tenancies along the Princes Highway,” says group CEO Harris Kospetas.
“The hotel will be based on a casual ‘Greek Taverna’ food concept, featuring skewered meats, homemade pita bread and dips as well homestyle classics like moussaka.”
Previous owners Tyche Private Equity (TPE) purchased the pub in 2016 with plans to redevelop the site into a full accommodation offering, but Universal is looking more to attract locals and the broader community.
A factor in the Riverview meeting the criteria for its food vision was the size of the property and parking, and while conscious of the lack of quality room options in the area it has confirmed it won’t be proceeding with approved plans at the site for an additional 37 motel rooms, and will retain use of the current carpark.
In combination, the two pubs allow the group to cater to a broad cross-section of customers.
“Where Tempe Hotel is an amazing great local and family pub with a huge beer garden, pub classics, kids play areas, function rooms and accommodation, Riverview Hotel will focus more so on its large bistro area and featured Greek Taverna,” explains Kospetas.
