Victoria-based hotel group Dixon Hospitality has bought Open Door Pub Company in what is believed to be the largest food and beverage leasehold deal in the state’s history.
The acquisition, which includes 17 pubs mostly located in Victoria, propels the fledgling Dixon Hospitality into the big league, turning it into one of the most significant hotel operators in the state overnight. Michael Dixon, who owns Dixon Hospitality, bought his first pub just last year.
Open Door Pub Co is run by Michael Thiele, founder of the Australian-themed “Walkabout” pubs in Britain. After leaving the UK, he set up Open Door Pub Co in 2004 with the acquisition of 24 managed venues and 17 subleased venues from Lion Nathan.
Thiele will now exit the business.
Michael Dixon’s father Bruce, CEO of cleaning and catering contracting giant Spotless, recently indicated his intention to step down from that role in order to help build his son’s hospitality business.
The Dixon Hospitality and Open Door Pub Company transaction was managed by Cropley Commercial.
Pictured above is Open Door’s Golden Gate Hotel in South Melbourne.