For the first time in 125 years, the historic Dargo Hotel is for sale – and ownership of a hotel is being offered to thousands of locals through crowd-sourced funding.
“When the hotel was listed for sale late last year, it was obvious that there was an opportunity to take the ownership to the community. We knew that under the stewardship of locals we could take the historic Dargo Hotel into the future whilst preserving the essence of the place,” the head of The Dargo Hotel Owners Group, Trent Hadfield, said.
Due to a strong and loyal following of about 30,000 people across their social channels, ownership of the Dargo Hotel bonds locals in an unprecedented manner.
With the support of locals, The Owners Group intends to maintain the history of the Dargo, whilst modernising operations and increasing the frequency of events and continuing to support local community organisations through donations, collaborations and fundraisers.
The purchase is for the business and property, including the Dargo Motor Inn.
The investment will be via a crowd-sourced funding campaign (equity crowdfunding).
Investors will own shares in the company as well as receive ownership benefits, such as an invitation to the Owners Weekend, free food for a decade and lifetime discounts.
The Owners Group is inviting everyone to get involved for as little as $400.
“We invite you to join us in investing not just in a piece of history but owning a piece of the future,” Mr Hadfield said.
For event details and to register your interest in owning a piece of the local pub, head to onmarket.com.au/offers/dargo-hotel-eoi/
In-person information sessions are being held at Sale at the Greyhound Club today (May 2) and at the Bairnsdale RSL tomorrow (May 3), from 5.30pm.
An online event will be held tomorrow (May 3), scheduled so potential owners can meet one another.
The Dargo Hotel Group has partnered with OnMarket to facilitate Equity Crowdfunding and believes this rare offer may quickly become oversubscribed, therefore stressing the local community registers their interest to receive an exclusive, VIP investment invitation.
The Dargo Hotel Owners Group is headed by business advisory Mr Hadfield and Aaron Patten, who has a background in hospitality, both with strong ties to East Gippsland.