Hospitality giant Merivale is continuing its expansion outside the Sydney region, with a new acquisition in Byron Bay in northern New South Wales.
Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes confirmed the group has signed a deal to secure bar and nightclub Cheeky Monkey’s, located on Jonson Street.
It follows a number of recent acquisitions for the group outside Sydney, including its first Melbourne venue and a pub in Narooma on the NSW South Coast.
Previously owned by Red Rock Venues, Cheeky Monkey’s appears to have closed down in March 2020 at the beginning of COVID-19 and had not reopened.
The venue also includes an adjoining massage parlour, which Merivale has also secured in the deal.
Hemmes says the group will look to reopen the venue later this year as a restaurant and bar.
“I’ve been going to Byron since I was 10 years old, so it has always been a place close to my heart,” he said.
“I can’t wait to open our first venue on the north coast and spend more time in the area.
“There’s simply no place like it.”
The venue joins Merivale’s burgeoning portfolio, which spans more than 70 locations across New South Wales and Melbourne.
