Justin Hemmes set to launch Merivale in Melbourne

Merivale boss Justin Hemmes will acquire his first Melbourne venue, a seven storey bluestone brick building known as Tomasetti House, located on Finders Lane.

Sources revealed to The Australian Financial Review that Hemmes secured this $40 million-plus deal from Sydney’s Millett family.

This acquisition of 277-279 Finders Lane could provide a significant boost to Melbourne CBD after the lengthy lockdowns Melbourne businesses have suffered.

The acquisition of Tomasetti House, which is expected to be confirmed today, is Hemmes’ first outside of Sydney where his Merivale Group operates over 70 venues and fulfils his ambition to enter the Melbourne market, where he has been scouting for venues for some time.

Merivale Group’s operations include the Coogee Pavilion, the Ivy, Mr Wong, Ms G’s, Fred’s and Totti’s.

The Flinders Lane venue is in good company, with the lane home to Chin Chin, Cumulus Inc, Garden State Hotel, Supernormal and Coda – some of Melbourne’s best regarded businesses.

Merivale was set to launch Merivale at Home last August in Melbourne but this takeaway meal service never came about after a backlash from Melbourne’s hospitality industry.

Plans for Merivale in Melbourne come as the hospitality industry is facing a severe shortage of workers. It also comes as Merivale faces a $100 million-plus back pay class action from workers.

However, Mr Hemmes told Chanticleer’s that he would push ahead despite the challenges and that expansion plans over the next two years could create over 2000 jobs.

Mr Hemmes’ entry into the Melbourne scene comes at a time when the city’s dining precinct is in revival.

Notably, the San Telmo restaurant group has committed to a 10-year lease at the foot of the Herald Sun Building at 8 Exhibition Street. It will replace George Calombaris’ Gazi restaurant.

San Telmo will also open a new Japanese restaurant.

27th April 2021