More than a dozen outback Queensland pubs for sale

Ben Pelizzari can't say for sure how much beer he, his parents, and grandparents have sold over the decades, but he knows it's time for someone else to run the pub. The Pelizzari family has operated a pub in Barcaldine, Queensland, for three generations, but that family tradition is coming to an end as their pub is up for sale. They are hoping a new owner will bring fresh energy and ideas to the establishment.

Pelizzari says running a pub involves long hours and requires complete dedication. "It's a tough job and it's a lot of hours," he said. "It's a lifestyle, you have to know what you're doing or it can be very stressful. Sixty-seven years is probably enough for our family. We're ready to hand it over to the next people who want to make their mark." The family is looking forward to a well-deserved rest and new opportunities.

There are currently over a dozen pubs for sale in inland Queensland. Pelizzari believes a good pub should be able to adapt to the needs of the community. "I think the strong will survive," he said. "If you stick to your knitting, you can make some money, but you're not going to make a million-dollar profit here in a year. We're a pub that offers gaming, we're not a bottle shop, and we don't want to be a café." Adapting to changing customer preferences is crucial for long-term success.

Some outback pub operators are choosing to exit due to soaring operating costs, such as electricity and insurance. "If you don't love it, you'll hate it," Pelizzari said. Veteran broker David Faiers says that while country pubs are attractive, they can be difficult to sell. "The challenge can be the lifestyle constraints," he said. "For city people, moving to the country is a big change. And it's very seasonal – winter is the tourist season, with lots of grey nomads and travellers, while summer is very quiet." This seasonality impacts profitability and requires careful financial planning.

The Shakespeare Hotel in Barcaldine was taken over by Sharon Broughton two years ago. This year, the grand two-story building with its wide veranda will celebrate its centenary. "Someone said to me, 'Do you know what you're doing? Because you could work 100 hours and it's not enough,'" Broughton said. But Broughton is committed to making the pub a more accessible space. "A lot of pubs are being taken over by women who want to get rid of the pokies and reduce the gambling and drinking atmosphere," she said. "I want it to be a community hub where people feel relaxed, and I've noticed women feel more comfortable here." Her focus is on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) chief executive Bernie Hogan says the proportion of company-owned pubs is increasing in inland Queensland. He said 20% of Queensland pubs are owned by companies or chains. "Over the last couple of years, as we've come out of COVID, people have realised it's difficult to run a hotel at the moment," he said. "There are a lot of different costs going up, like electricity, labour, and insurance. For the larger companies, they can negotiate lower rates, particularly on insurance." This trend highlights the challenges faced by independent pub owners.

In Longreach, an American-style cowboy bar has appeared on the main street, decorated with neon lights and flat-screen TVs. Local businessman Brecken Curtis saw an opportunity to create differentiation. "We've got enough country pubs," he said. "People are looking for diversity, not more of the same. Chute1 is limited in personnel and small in footprint, so you're able to ride out the quieter summer months better than a large venue. We're only open three days a week, which also keeps it fresh." Hogan says country pubs are still the lifeblood of the community. "Like all businesses, you've got to make sure the numbers stack up," he said. "You've got to have the head and the heart working together." Balancing financial viability with community needs is essential for success.