Opportunity to lease iconic Francis Hotel in Thallon

A rare opportunity to lease an iconic hotel in the village of Thallon – in south-west Queensland – is available for someone looking to start or continue their journey in Australia’s thriving pub scene.

The current lease-holders Warren and Amanda Morriss are looking to handover the reins to the charming venue.

“It is a great business and wonderful opportunity for a young couple or family,” Warren said.

“We would never have achieved what we have without hard work and input.”

Local staff are employed at the venue, including a part-time cleaner as well as bar and kitchen staff.

During the busy seasons, their hours are increased to cope with demand.

“The pub used to average about 10 kegs a month,” Warren said.

“We now do 23 at our peak and about 15 regularly.”

Part of the pub lease includes the ongoing lease of the eight-bedroom railway quarters which are booked out during harvest time – from the first week of September usually until early December.

“The revenue from that alone pays your full lease payments for the year,” Warren said.

“Additionally, the pub has four rooms upstairs that run at about 45 per cent occupancy all year-round.

“The managers’ quarters are there also – a double room and two other rooms – bathroom and toilet as well as a closed-in front verandah.”

Following the work Warren and Amanda have put into transforming the Francis Hotel, locals have started flocking again to their local watering hole.

“The pub was averaging about 60 meals a week when we took over. The average now is 155,” Warren said.

“To do that, the food components and variety had to be changed. The kitchen got a revamp and is now workable to suit the hotel’s needs.”

The introduction of Jag the Joker and Mug of the Week have been a popular addition at Thallon, and the resurrection of the back lawn area and beer garden have added to hotel’s atmosphere.

“For young families there is plenty of room for the kids to play while mum and dad, or the grandparents, sit back and enjoy their beverage or coffee and lamington,” Warren said.

“We have regular barbecues and are just about to start the ‘long lunch Sunday’.”

Ongoing business and activity contributes to the success of the Francis Hotel, starting with cotton maintenance works early in the year followed by nomads travelling through the village.

Among the highlights for travellers are the silo art and sculpture trail.

Agriculture is a major contributor to the village and the hotel is no different – with cotton activities throughout the year providing a welcome boost to business. The grain harvest is as equally as beneficial.

“This is a great little money-making town that has now become a stopover for tour groups and car rallies – not just silo seekers,” Warren said.

Warren and Amanda are offering the opportunity to take over the running of the iconic Francis Hotel for $150,000, walk-in, including stock at cost.

The price includes the remainder of their five-year lease as well as a five-year option.

The courtesy bus, refrigerated container cold room, ride-on mower and pizza oven form part of the offering.

“Our price is less than you’d buy a house for or even get a return on rent for,” Warren said.

Call Warren on 07 4625 9188 or 0417 735 210 to find out about this rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.