It’s a fresh start for one of the town’s local watering holes, with the Empire Hotel officially changing hands this week.
Hospitality veteran Ben Ryan opened the doors as the new owner on Tuesday, stepping into the role of owner-operator after taking over the freehold.
Ben’s no stranger to the industry having 20 years under his belt, and he brings a wealth of experience to the Empire.
Ben also runs a bottle shop with his business partner in Charleville.
When the opportunity came up to take on the Empire last year, they jumped at it.
“We’ve got a liquor retail background, and when a drive-through bottle shop shut down in a mining town, we saw it as a great opportunity,” Ben said.
The plan is to give the pub a bit of a refresh with spruce up of the bar, create some activity, and expand the bottle shop.
“We want to open the bottle shop up so people can walk in, browse a bit, especially for wine shoppers.”
There will also be a change to the menu.
“The boys who do the food at the Copper City and the Western will be handling the kitchen here as well,” he said.
“Cindy, [the former owner], is due for a well-earned break. She didn’t want to get back on the tongs, which is fair enough!”
New stock started to arrive yesterday and Ben’s hoping to have the bottle shop up and running by Friday.
“You know how it goes, the best laid plans and all that.”
Ben will be living onsite, out the back in one of the flats, while his wife and two grown-up teens stay back at home in Moss Vale.
“They’ll be getting a bit of a break from me,” Ben joked.
As for the team at the Empire, it’s mostly business as usual.
“We’re keeping the staff, a couple of backpackers, Kahmal and some returning faces, and a few local girls.”
Next on Ben’s to-do list? He was heading down to Harvey Norman (supporting local business), putting new TVs in the bar, and moving the TAB terminal, “just make it easier to get to when you walk in.”
The sale has been in the works since November last year, and Ben’s excited to finally be here.
“There’s a great vibe in town.
“Every time we’ve visited, catching up with Andrew and Cindy, it just felt like a good spot.”
So next time you’re in the Empire, say hello to Ben as he’s keen to meet the locals.
