Experienced operator Con Dedes is taking over Sydney restaurant Alpha, but chef George Calombaris's future involvement remains unclear. He will assist in the transition to the Dedes Group.
Jon Adgemis' troubled Public Hospitality Group has lost a significant asset. The acclaimed Greek restaurant Alpha is no longer part of its portfolio.
The hatted Sydney CBD restaurant, owned by the Hellenic Club, has been under the Public's management since last December after the group won a tender to operate it. The group later announced that they had hired celebrity chef George Calombaris to lead the kitchen.
Discussions about the restaurant's future under the Public's management have been ongoing for several months, focusing on the contract between the Public and the Hellenic Club. Staff were informed on Monday morning that Public is no longer managing the upscale Castlereagh Street eatery.
The expansive dining room at Alpha.
Experienced operator Con Dedes is taking over Sydney restaurant Alpha, but chef George Calombaris's future involvement remains unclear.
Jon Adgemis' troubled Public Hospitality Group has lost a significant asset. The acclaimed Greek restaurant Alpha is no longer part of its portfolio.
The hatted Sydney CBD restaurant, owned by the Hellenic Club, has been under the Public's management since last December after the group won a tender to operate it. The group later announced that they had hired celebrity chef George Calombaris to lead the kitchen.
Discussions about the restaurant's future under the Public's management have been ongoing for several months, focusing on the contract between the Public and the Hellenic Club. Staff were informed on Monday morning that Public is no longer managing the upscale Castlereagh Street eatery.
The expansive dining room at Alpha Restaurant
On Monday, staff were briefed by the new operator, Con Dedes, an experienced restaurateur known for his successful Sydney establishments, including Flying Fish and Sala in Pyrmont. Dedes, who was reportedly the runner-up in last year’s tender for the restaurant, confirmed he took over from Public on June 17 and provided a statement to Good Food.
"On behalf of my wife Kerrie, myself, and the team at Dedes Group, we are honoured to be adding Alpha Restaurant and Beta Events to our suite of hospitality venues. We thank the Hellenic Club for their trust, and it is certainly not lost on me that we inherit an asset with wonderful Greek heritage, humility, and, as the Hellenes say, filotimo [love of honour and duty]. Our team will work hard to uphold this beautiful legacy," Dedes said.
Alpha has been led by chef Peter Conistis since its opening in 2013. However, in March, Public announced a new culinary direction, bringing in former MasterChef judge George Calombaris as a creative partner. When asked if Calombaris would remain at Alpha, Dedes responded, "There’s certainly a conversation to be had."
Joint Statement from Hellenic Club and Public Hospitality
Hellenic Club confirmed that it has mutually agreed with Public Hospitality to depart as the operators of the Alpha and Beta businesses and focus on company-owned venues going forward.
"Public Hospitality had advised us that their new financing is focused on company-owned real estate, and we agreed they would depart as operators of Alpha and support the transition to the incoming experienced operator, which they are currently doing," said Nikolas Hatzistergos, President of Hellenic Club Limited.
The transition from Public Hospitality to the new operators, led by Con Dedes, has commenced and will continue over the coming weeks.
"We have enjoyed our partnership with the Hellenic Club over the last six months and wish them every success with the next chapter of Alpha," said a Public Hospitality spokesperson. "George Calombaris, who joined our Alpha team as a culinary consultant in March, is also supporting the operational team through this transition."
Dedes Waterfront Group
For over 35 years, Dedes Waterfront Group has been a leading name in Sydney's hospitality scene, known for its iconic waterfront venues. Founded and managed by Kerrie and Con Dedes, the group has built its reputation on simple yet powerful principles: excellent food, impeccable service, and creating memorable experiences. With seven venues spread across Sydney's waterfronts, Dedes Waterfront Group caters to a wide range of guest needs, from casual gatherings and high-end fine dining to boutique event execution. Their consistent focus on quality and customer satisfaction has made them a standout in the industry.
