49-Year-Old Australian Barbecue Chain Enters Receivership, 500 Staff at Risk

Australian icon Barbeques Galore has entered administration and receivership, impacting up to 500 positions depending on the restructure.

This comes just two months after U.S. based investment firm Gordon Brothers agreed to acquire the company in December.

Control of Barbeques Galore operations have now been passed on to administrators Grant Thornton and receivers Ankura due to “liquidity issues.”

“The receivers have taken control of the business and its operations and will seek to restructure or sell the business,” Barbecues Galore said in a statement.

The firm is a leading retailer of BBQs, outdoor furniture, and wood heaters, operating 95 stores across the nation. Of these, 68 are owned by the company and 27 are franchises.

Retail Stores Remain Open For Now

Receivers Quentin Olde, Luke Pittorino and Liam Healey from Ankura said Barbeques Galore will continue normal operations while exploring options like a potential sale.

“We expect strong interest from both retail operators and strategic financial investors seeking to participate in its future,” Olde said.

“The business will continue to trade as normal under the control of the receivers with the guidance of David White and the Barbeques Galore team while we assess options for its future.”

David White took on the role of CEO in December 2025 following the acquisition by Gordon Brothers.

“Considerable progress has been made in recent months leading to significant improvements across the business and operations, however ongoing liquidity challenges have led to the necessary restructuring of the business,” he said.

Barbecues Galore customers were reassured any online orders that had been paid for would be honoured unless stock was unavailable.

“The receivers will be in communication with key stakeholders, including suppliers, franchisees, and landlords in the coming days regarding arrangements for the receivership,” the company said.

“Creditors are required to lodge formal proof of debts with the administrators at Grant Thornton for the purpose of voting at the upcoming meeting of creditors.”

Other major players in the barbecue retail landscape including Bunnings, Harvey Norman, and Weber.

Steak, Mince and Sausage Prices Go Up Amid Strong Export Demand

The Australia Barbecue Grill market outlook 2026-2035 predicted steady growth in the sector.

“The Australia barbeque grill market is witnessing steady expansion, driven by the nation’s strong outdoor living culture and growing interest in home-based culinary experiences,” the report said.

“The sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.40% between 2026 and 2035, supported by rising consumer spending on outdoor entertainment, premium kitchen equipment, and modern lifestyle-oriented products.”

Yet more Australians have also shifted to living in apartments in major cities.

The price of lamb and beef prices has also risen significantly in late 2025 and early 2026, potentially impacting the cost of an Australian BBQ.

Lamb prices broke records in 2025, according to Meat and Livestock Australia amid global export demand.

CommBank Agribusiness Economist Dennis Voznesenski said in November the high beef prices were being driven by overseas factors. the United States is Australia’s biggest beef export marketing. He noted steak, mince and sausages had become more expensive for shoppers.

“It’s not so much grounded in what’s happening in Australia. More so it’s what’s happening overseas and especially in America,” he said.

“The U.S. has a multi-decade low cattle herd and their import options are constrained. Not only are they struggling to get more beef from the North American market, but due to the trade war, they also face steep tariffs on Brazilian beef.”