Iconic Sydney venue definitively usurps celebrity chef Matt Moran and a prominent family of wealth, sparking astonishment among industry experts due to their enforced departure.
Applejack Takes Over Sydney's Iconic Opera Bar and House Canteen
After a highly competitive tender process, Applejack, a rising star in Sydney's hospitality scene, has been appointed as the new operator of the Sydney Opera House's popular harbourside venues, the Opera Bar and House Canteen. The 10-year contract marks the end of a 24-year run for the previous operator, Solotel and celebrity chef Matt Moran.
Background
Founded in 2011, Applejack has been growing steadily, with a diverse portfolio of well-regarded bars, pubs, cafes, and upscale restaurants within Sydney. Some of their notable venues include The Taphouse, Forrester’s, Bopp & Tone, and RAFI. The group recently strengthened its position with a partnership with Compass Group, a global food service organization.
Applejack entered the competitive tender process as an underdog but presented a compelling, vibrant proposal that emphasised showcasing Sydney's cultural food scene at Opera Bar and a relaxed all-day café experience at House Canteen. Their vision, which demonstrated exceptional value and a strong community and cultural connection, was a key reason for their successful appointment.
Winning the Opera Bar Contract
The tender process for the contract began in September 2024 and involved several prominent hospitality operators. Applejack’s successful bid stood out due to their innovative approach to managing these iconic venues, combining culinary excellence with a focus on community engagement and cultural significance.
The Sydney Opera House expressed gratitude to Solotel, Matt Moran, and their team for their outstanding contribution over 24 years, marking the transition as a significant new chapter for the venues under Applejack's leadership.
The Future of Opera Bar and House Canteen
The Opera Bar contract will begin in mid-September, with the House Canteen takeover happening in mid-November. Refurbishments for the Opera Bar and House Canteen are set to start in 2026.
Applejack co-founders Ben Carroll and Hamish Watts expressed their excitement at being entrusted as custodians of these iconic venues. They look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Solotel and Matt Moran over the past two decades.
Meanwhile, a judge ordered parties involved in a previous legal action regarding the Opera Bar to go to mediation, and a confidential settlement was reached in November, last year.
The Sydney Opera House Chief Customer Officer, Jade McKellar, thanked Solotel, Matt Moran, and General Manager John Gallas for their successful management of the Opera Bar and House Canteen. She praised Applejack's compelling vision and is looking forward to the exciting changes they will bring to these iconic venues.
Matt Moran and Solotel founder Bruce Solomon transformed Opera Bar into an iconic Sydney destination over two decades. The last time the Opera Bar was up for tender was in 2014, but this time around, there was no legal battle or accusations of unfair advantage.
It's worth noting that Miki Hendler, the granddaughter of billionaire property developer Harry Triguboff, and her husband are involved in hospitality groups with a combined net worth of millions of dollars. Elliot Solomon, the son of Bruce Solomon, is now the CEO of Solotel.
Sources: 1. SBS News 2. SMH Good Food 3. Time Out Sydney 4. Concrete Playground
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