Kickon Group has acquired the Grand View Hotel in Cleveland, Queensland, in conjunction with its pub partner Richard Harrison.
The Redland Bay region pub is the fifth Queensland pub for the Victoria-based group, joining The Plough Inn and Osbourne Hotel in Brisbane, Watermark in Townsville and The Collective in Palm Beach.
The Grand View Hotel enjoys a wide variety of revenue streams and offerings, including sell-out live music events, an art gallery featuring local artists, a range of function spaces, a public bar, a modern gaming lounge, and beautiful views out over Moreton Bay while relaxing in the expansive, festoon-lit backyard.
The pub started its life as Cleveland House in the early 1850s, serving guests as a hotel with two sitting rooms and five bedrooms. Renamed the Grand View in 1910, the venue fast became a cornerstone of the Redland Bay region. Kickon Group intends to give the heritage-listed hotel a significant renovation that still respects its history.
“We’ve partnered with award-winning architects BSPN to create plans that will breathe life back into this amazing landmark,” says Craig Shearer, Founder Director of Kickon Group.
“We’re looking to celebrate the importance of the history of the venue while taking advantage of the magical outdoor space and ocean views. It’s going to be really special.”
Kickon Group pub partner Richard Harrison – who is also a part-owner in Osbourne Hotel – has been afforded the same part ownership opportunity with Grand View Hotel. He believes that the hotel will flourish under Kickon’s guidance.
“It’s our governance and culture that sets us apart from other leading hospitality operators, and I look forward to introducing that to the Grand View,” says Harrison.
“Not just in our proven approach to an elevated guest experience, but also the empowerment and inspiration for our staff that comes from being part of the Kickon Group family.”
CEO Duncan Thomson said the opportunity to bring the group’s own chapter to Grand View’s long history was too good an opportunity to pass up.
“When the opportunity to consider the Grand View came our way, we immediately knew it was going to be a great fit. Renovation plans had already been in the works under the previous ownership, so the groundwork was laid for us to be able to execute our vision relatively quickly. We’re aiming to have works completed in 2023.”
Kickon Group show no signs of slowing down, with their post-covid expansion plans in full effect. Thomson says an investment in the group’s team is a big part of those plans for growth.
“Our focus on leadership development and upskilling through the Kickon Academy has allowed us to put the right people in the right places and ensure that our venues are adhering to our governance whilst we continue to expand. Investing in people is our recipe for success and will allow us to continue to grow and take advantage of the many opportunities that are out there right now.”