The size of Compass Group’s investment into The Big Group has not been disclosed, but The Big Group is calling it “a bold new chapter” for the business, which recently expanded into the Sydney market.
In Melbourne, The Big Group operates the likes of The Commons Collective in inner-city Melbourne, which is about to host part of Australia Next, Tourism Australia’s international incentive showcase, as well as being the exclusive caterer for the State Library of Victoria.
In Sydney, The Big Group has recently shaken up the events offering and the F&B spaces at the Museum of Contemporary Art, alongside opening their own, impressively slick venue, Ilumina, in Martin Place, in the city centre.
The Big Group also works on major events, including the Australian Open Grand Slam and Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival.
Meanwhile Compass Group Australia provides a range of food services in the business and major events space through its subsidiaries Restaurant Associates for corporate events and Levy for stadiums. It services a number of spaces at Melbourne Park, where the Australian Open is held, alongside the National Gallery of Victoria. It also operates across a range of sectors, servicing canteens and food halls, hospitals and airport lounges. Compass Group Australia is part of the global Compass Group.
“We believe great venues and brilliant events can transform cities, creating opportunities for people and showcasing Australia to the world,” said founder of The Big Group, Bruce Keebaugh.
“This partnership allows us to amplify that mission.
“We’re not changing who we are; we’re expanding what we can do.
“When local passion meets global capability and when Australian hospitality takes centre stage, everyone’s invited to something extraordinary.
“The Big Group remains a proudly Australian business – independently founder led, locally grounded and dedicated to the art of Australian hospitality.”
With the backing of Compass Group, The Big Group is now looking at expanding further than Melbourne and Sydney, including internationally.
“[The Big Group] represent[s] everything we look for in a hospitality business: entrepreneurship, creative talent and a proven ability to deliver exceptional hospitality at scale,” said the managing director of Compass Group Australia, Joanne Taylor.
“Bruce and his team have built something truly remarkable over the past 35 years, and their distinctly Australian approach to hospitality is ready for the world stage.
“We’re not just investing in The Big Group’s growth, together we’re investing in the future of Australia’s event economy and the thousands of people whose careers and communities it supports.”
Compass Group recently took a stake in Applejack Hospitality, which has since won the contract and taken over Sydney Opera House venues Opera Bar and House Canteen.
