The popular Telegraph Hotel in Geelong West is being sold with vacant possession as long-time owners the Longos eye retirement.
The unassuming two-storey pub is favourably located on a high-profile corner of Pakington Street, where it intersects with arterial Church Street, aka the Midland Highway, around 70 kilometres south-west of the Melbourne CBD.
It resides on a 1,342sqm block, with floor area of 1,045sqm, in what is a vibrant and tightly held retail and lifestyle precinct.
Inside is a high-end F&B oriented fit-out, providing multiple bars, function spaces and both indoor and outdoor dining areas.
A landmark of the ‘burb, it keeps a loyal local customer base and attracts visitors including passengers from nearby Geelong Terminal, where the Spirit of Tasmania docks.
For the past 20 years it has been owner-operated by Sam and Rhonda Longo, who have consistently modified and enhanced the offering. Work in recent years saw the Telegraph win Best Rooftop Experience at the AHA Victoria’s Awards for Excellence in 2021.
The couple have racked up 35 years in hospitality, and having fielded a few direct approaches to sell the operation, considered looking to retirement. They would like to find a suitable replacement, but aren’t in a rush to leave.
“We have got a great team and staff and it’s business as usual,” says Rhonda.
The freehold is being sold via Expressions of Interest, closing Thursday, 26 June, through Vinci Carbone Property’s Joseph Carbone and Frank Vinci, with a sale price approaching $5 million anticipated.
“It has long-term patronage, good steady turnover and we are selling it on a walk-in, walk-out basis so everything stays other than stock,” says Carbone.
While there is interest from developers, drawn to the area’s commercial zoning and development potential, agents suggest the consistent and established trade makes it likely the Telegraph will sell to a hotelier, to continue its life as a pub.
“It’s an exceptional opportunity for an existing operator to take over the business while land-banking the future development potential of the site (STCA),” adds Carbone.
