Applejack secures major backing from Compass Group

The Australian arm of the multi-national Compass Group has secured a “significant stake” in Sydney-based hospitality group Applejack.

The partnership came about after Compass Group reached out to Applejack around 12 months ago. “It all felt so positive from the get-go,” Co-Founder Hamish Watts tells Hospitality. “Once we started brainstorming and fleshing out the opportunity, the potential of working together was super exciting for Ben, myself, and the broader Applejack team. We could see endless ways for both sides to bring value to each other— it just felt like the right move.”

Compass Group employs more than half a million workers across 30 countries in healthcare, education, hospitality, sports, defence, and other industries. The Australian arm provides hospitality services to many sectors including schools, hospitals, aged care, corporate, and military.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Applejack as two companies who are recognised throughout the communities in which we work as industry leaders, not only in our core service offering, but also our approach to sustainability, innovation, community engagement and inclusion,” says Compass Group Australia’s Managing Director Jo Taylor.

“This partnership supports Applejack with their strong growth plans and strengthens our retail capacity as we continue to provide hospitality services to iconic and unique venues across Australia,” says Taylor.

“This partnership opens up so many doors for our teams, and it’s exciting to see how our strengths complement each other,” says Applejack Co-Founder Ben Carroll.

Carroll and Watts have confirmed they will remain at the helm of the business, and say it’s business as usual when it comes to the day-to-day operations of the group. The duo also commented that the partnership will enable faster growth and more opportunity to explore new sectors. “This partnership isn’t just about money,” says Watts. “It’s about combining knowledge, skills, and passion to create something amazing.”

For now, both companies are in planning mode to see how they can fast-track Applejack’s growth strategy for 2025. “Let’s just say the sky’s the limit!” comment the co-founders. “There are so many exciting opportunities on the table. Big things are coming.”

Applejack Hospitality employs over 350 people across venues includinng The Butler Potts Point, Juanita’s Bar, Bopp & Tone, The Botanist Kirribilli, SoCal Sydney, Forrester’s, June’s Shoppe, Hester’s, Taphouse, Rafi North Sydney, Sandy’s, and Rafi Urbnsurf.

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