Hurley Hotel Group acquires Barker Hotel
The Hurley Hotel Group, a South Australian owned family business, has acquired the Barker Hotel with settlement expected to occur early in 2025.
Currently operating nine hotels including the iconic Arkaba, Hotel Royal, Marion and Torrens Arms, the acquisition of the Barker brings their total portfolio to ten hotels.
The new hotel acquisition is in partnership with Adelaide Crows legend, Mark Ricciuto, and Hurley Hotel Group General Manager, Sam McInnes, who will also have a share of the new acquisition.
Sam McInnes says that the Barker will complement the Hurley Group’s portfolio as a well presented and well-located hotel in one of the strongest growth areas of South Australia.
“The team are excited to be welcoming Barker Hotel to our portfolio. Mount Barker has seen significant growth in recent years and is fast becoming South Australia’s largest city outside of Adelaide, and we are thrilled to be a part of this boosting community.
“At this stage, we have no immediate plans to dramatically change the layout or operation of the Hotel, we will focus on providing quality food, beverage, functions and gaming facilities, and continue to train and employ from the local community,” Sam said.
Originally called the Scotch Thistle Inn, the Barker was the second hotel to be licensed in Mount Barker in 1846 and is the oldest surviving hotel in the town.
The Hotel, which is being acquired from the Fassina family who bought it in 2003, undertook a major renovation that was completed in 2014. In 2019, the Barker won the AHA National Draught Beer Quality award.
Founder of Fassina Liquors, Ross Fassina, reflects on his time owning the hotel and the support of the local community.
“It’s been quite a ride for 21 years, but all good things come to an end. The family would very much like to thank our hard-working staff who give the hotel its warm inviting character. We are very grateful for the loyalty the staff have shown, some of which have been with the hotel since we started in 2003.
“Although it is a sad day for us, I am comforted that the Hurley Group will further develop the hotel working alongside our current staff,” Ross said.
This acquisition is the first for the Hurley Hotel Group since 2019 when they acquired the Ivory Waterside in Tweed Heads NSW.