Odd Culture Group has announced the sale of its only Melbourne venue, Odd Culture Fitzroy.
Odd Culture Group has sold its 50 per cent stake in the venue to the other partner in that venture, general manager Gerry Nass. Odd Culture Fitzroy was first opened by Odd Culture Group and Nass in July 2023, and will trade under the new name Good Liquor and Wine from Monday 6 May.
James Thorpe, Odd Culture Group CEO, stated that the unplanned sale would help in doubling the group’s footprint in Sydney this year.
“Between our plans to double our footprint in Sydney, and Gerry’s incredible investment and connection with the Fitzroy venue, this became an obvious, albeit difficult, decision for us to take. We need to keep our focus on this side of the border to deliver the incredible projects we have planned over the next year.”
Thorpe went on to thank the Melbourne community and Nass for embracing the Odd Culture concept, which explored the intersection between craft beer and natural wine along the theme of fermentation.
“The Melbourne community really welcomed us with open arms and we have loved meeting and serving you all. The sale isn’t at all something we anticipated but we know it’s the right decision for us and that our guests are in great hands as we hand over the reins to our friend, Gerry Nass.”
Nass, who has owned or managed pubs in Melbourne for over a decade, is excited to be taking the Fitzroy venue on the next stage of its journey.
“Over the last year, the team and I have developed really close relationships with our patrons and we are excited to take the business into its new iteration. All staff members will be staying on in their roles as the business changes hands.”
The original Odd Culture Newtown in Sydney is in its third year of operation and in line with the group’s focus on offering diverse late-night experiences, has just extended its trading hours until 1am, with the intention to extend to 2am in the next few weeks.
The Odd Culture Group portfolio currently comprises Odd Culture Newtown, SPON wine bar and bottleshop, The Old Fitzroy Hotel, The Duke of Enmore and most recently, new late-night cocktail bar and live music venue, Pleasure Club, which is licensed until 4am Wednesday to Sunday.
Thorpe first flagged the group’s intentions to significantly expand this year in Australian Hotelier’s 2024 Annual Leaders Forum, in a wide-ranging conversation on the group’s operations. Ahead of its expansion plans for Sydney this year, Odd Culture Group is bolstering operations and currently looking to recruit a Group General Manager.
The group prides itself on being a disruptive force in the industry, prioritising community-focused venues that foster engagement with the arts and live music industries.
More details on Odd Culture Group’s expansion will be announced in the months to come.