Hundreds of jobs to go as barbecue retailer sizzles out
Hundreds of workers will lose their jobs after retail chain Barbeques Galore collapsed, ending a nearly 50-year run.
The company was placed into voluntary administration in February, with the receivers tasked with finding a new buyer.
Although there were a number of interested parties, buyers said there was no acceptable offer to recapitalize the business by the end of May.
Executives of consulting firm Ankura said on Tuesday that the company’s 62 company-owned stores will begin to close as of June 16, while transition arrangements are ongoing for the remaining 27 franchised stores.
The closure of the outdoor retailer will cut 500 staff jobs.
“All employees will be paid all accrued severance and termination payments within the normal separation process,” the buyers said in a statement. he said.
Stores will continue to trade remaining stock and suppliers will continue to be paid until liquidators step in by the June 16 deadline.
Customers with a gift card will have their balance due by June 30, but will need to spend $2 for every $1 on the card.
To redeem the $50 gift card, the consumer must make a purchase of at least $150; $100 of this is paid in addition to the value of the card.
The buyers negotiated with major creditor Gordon Brothers to keep the business going, and negotiations were held with landlords and suppliers.
“Following negotiations in recent weeks, BBQG Group has reached a position where the conditions (of the offer) are unenforceable,” they said.
Barbeques Galore is synonymous with Australia’s barbecue culture and has been supplying barbecues since 1977, after being founded by entrepreneur Max Mason in Sydney.
