Two of Australia’s most successful hospitality groups have come together in an exciting partnership to ensure the continued success of one of the nation’s most iconic waterfront dining destinations – Hugo’s at Manly Wharf.
Originally conceived, owned, and operated by the renowned Hugo’s team in Sydney, the award-winning venue has been acquired by the equally acclaimed Artemus Group. Under the terms of the agreement, the iconic restaurant will continue to operate as usual, with long-time managers Dave Evans and David Corsi at the helm.
The deal, brokered by Andrew Jolliffe of specialist firm HTL Property, was months in the making and signifies more than just a sale – it also marks a forward-thinking partnership between two leading hospitality groups.
“While we may be biased, we genuinely believe there are very few, possibly only a handful globally, truly world-class waterfront hospitality destinations – and this is undoubtedly one of them,” said Andrew Jolliffe, Managing Director of HTL Property.
“What makes this deal uniquely special is the shared vision and respect between these two hospitality leaders, who are open to exploring future ventures together,” Jolliffe added.
As part of the sale, the iconic Hugo’s restaurant, a fixture of Manly Wharf for over 16 years, will remain under the same leadership, with Evans and Corsi maintaining day-to-day operations. The Artemus Group, led by highly regarded figures Adam Flaskas, Paul Henry, and Luke Fraser, brings a wealth of experience, including their recent acquisition of Manly Wharf and the popular Felon’s Manly Bar, which has since been relaunched.
Dave Evans commented, “David and I will continue to run Hugo’s as we always have, with our current team staying on board. We're excited to grow the Hugo’s brand and expand into new locations.”
Luke Fraser of the Artemus Group added, “Hugo’s is a Manly institution, and nothing will change. We’re thrilled to be working with Dave and David, and everything will continue ‘business as usual’.”
This collaboration marks an exciting chapter for both the restaurant and the broader Manly Wharf precinct, which continues to evolve under the leadership of Artemus Group.