The owner is looking for $400,000 for the business.
Beloved Collingwood live music venue and bar, The Gem, has been put on the market this week with owners looking for a figure in the range of $400,000 for the leasehold.
The venue has been a popular spot for inner-north locals ever since opening for business in 2006. Not only does The Gem offer one of the best American BBQ menus in Melbourne, but is also known for its live music, having welcomed high calibre acts from both home and abroad with genres spanning everything from rockabilly to honky-tonk, rock’n’roll to garage.
In the past year, the venue has welcomed the likes of Kim Salmon, The Exotics, James Ellis & The Jealous Guys and Delsinki across its music program with Friday, Saturday and Sunday the nights to head down to The Gem for live music.
Some exciting family developments have altered the owner’s priorities as they kickstart a new chapter.
“It’s really, really early days and we have just put it out there to see what happens,” The Gem’s owner Philip Botte told Beat Magazine. “It’s a family thing – I want to spend time with my little girl and that’s it.”
It’s something that Botte has been thinking about for a while as he navigated the next period of his life.
“It’s been in the back of my mind and I suppose the COVID situation does give you a bit of a push, so that’s about it, there’s nothing else more sinister, it’s just timing I suppose.”
The venue’s listing describes The Gem as “a haven for many locals looking to get in from the cold” and one that’s “perfect for an intimate dinner or for small groups”. This is right on the money – The Gem brings punters back night after night with its warmth and personality.
There are 12 years left on the lease and the venue would best suit an experienced operator or a hospitality group.
It comes after The Gaso and Spotted Mallard put their businesses up for sale in recent months. The building with which Revolver Upstairs is located has also been listed for sale.
Check out the venue’s listing here. The Gem is still open for business during this time. Book a table and find their current opening hours here.
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