SOLOTEL APPOINTS FIRST F&B DIRECTOR

Media Release: 12 September 2023 

Family-owned hospitality operator Solotel is thrilled to announce the appointment of its first ever Food & Beverage Director, Joshua Hillary (ex Duxton Hospitality Services; Rockpool Dining Group). Hillary, who officially starts mid-October, is tasked with leading a sharp new focus on service, food, and drink across Solotel’s portfolio of 26 pubs, bars, and restaurants. The senior leadership team appointment signals an important milestone in Solotel’s ambitious five-year strategy to be the choice in hospitality for the next gen - curating the most creative, culture-forward, and personalised hospitality experiences.

Hillary brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the role, including most recently as Director of Operations at Duxton Hospitality Services and at Rockpool Dining Group as Food & Beverage Director. Reporting to Hillary will be a team of Solotel food and beverage specialists that will work with the venue teams across the likes of Opera Bar; Barangaroo House; North Bondi Fish; Aria; Kings Cross Hotel; The Clock, Surry Hills; The Abercrombie and others.

“Josh’s appointment as Solotel’s first ever Food & Beverage Director is hugely significant for us as a group and demonstrates the deep commitment we have to elevating these crucial components of each of our pub, bar, and restaurant offerings,” explains Solotel CEO, Elliot Solomon. “We’re incredibly excited about the evolution of Solotel and the opportunities that Josh’s expertise and experience will open up for food, drink, and guest experience at Solotel venues. We can’t wait for him to get started in October just in time for Chez Blue, our new neighbourhood French bistro, to open in Rozelle.”

“I’ve been fortunate to have built up a diverse range of experience across some amazing venues,” explains Hillary. “I’m looking forward to applying similar principles in terms of guest experience to Solotel’s established pubs, restaurants, and bars as well as its future openings. I’m particularly excited about taking what people expect of pub food and guest experience and really stretching that to a new level.”

Hillary’s appointment follows the April 2023 unveiling of Solotel’s fresh new brand and company values as part of its strategy to attract top talent for its future growth plans. The rebrand positioned Solotel as ‘A Family of Venues’ with enabling growth, cultivating creativity, and creating unity at the heart of its values. It also draws on the Solomon family’s 110-year history operating Sydney pubs, including Darlo Bar which has been in the family since 1930, while also capturing the diversity of venue offerings now within the business.

Solotel is currently recruiting for roles within venue management, kitchen, bar, and more. Once part of the Solotel team, all employees have access to 50 per cent off (on all food and beverage) at all Solotel venues and are welcome to invite family and friends. View the latest roles and more about Solotel at solotel.com.au/join-our-family and instagram.com/solotel_jobs/