Sixteen years after transforming a former wharfies’ hotel into one of Melbourne’s most popular gastropubs, Tony and Peter Giannakis are calling it a day.
“We’ve worked with some great people and we’d like to thank the wonderful support of our customers, who have become our friends and an extension of our families. We will miss them.”
The award-winning Graham Hotel in Port Melbourne has been sold for an undisclosed sum, as the two Middle Park-born Greek boys look to new culinary horizons.
The Giannakis twins purchased the 1870-built Graham Hotel back in 2001 and turned it into a hugely popular restaurant with an almost cult following.
Complemented by a cosy wine bar, The Graham became the regular dining location of choice for its many devotees from south Melbourne and beyond.
Reflecting their commercial success and the refined dining experience they and their crew delivered, Tony and Peter have seen a stream of developers beat a path to their door in the past 18 months, looking to leverage on the Giannakis’ success.
Ironically, the last year has seen the business enjoy its best trading since 2011, and while the brothers say they would have been comfortable to stay put, they were made an offer they couldn’t refuse.
The buyer (who reportedly paid a record sum for this type of site in the area), has re-listed the leasehold business and plans to have a tenant installed by 1 March. Meanwhile, Tony and Peter are hoping that whoever takes the keys will re-employ The Graham’s highly-skilled staff, many of whom have been with them for years.
Having won numerous awards for their food and service, the evolution of The Graham under the Giannakis’ imaginative direction raised the bar continually during their stewardship. With a menu comprising contemporary and classic, Asian and Mediterranean fusions, all impeccably presented (along with a stunning wine list), The Graham delivered a unique fine-dining experience, with Tony and Peter’s engaging presence the icing on the cake.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos about selling up, Tony admits they were offered an irresistible deal.
“It was the right offer at the right time, and it’s a result we’re very happy with,” says Tony, who sees his future possibly in wine wholesaling.
“We’re very proud of what we have achieved over the last 16 years,” he says. “It was a big risk to come to a quiet little pub in the back streets of Port Melbourne and to run a fine-diner gastropub.
“We’ve worked with some great people and we’d like to thank the wonderful support of our customers, who have become our friends and an extension of our families. We will miss them.”
As for the future, Tony says leaving behind the demands of running one of Melbourne’s most popular gastropubs has its upside. “We’re both excited about having more time with our families and more balance in our lives.”
The last meal to be served at The Graham under Tony and Peter’s watch will be dinner on Sunday 26 February. Bookings recommended!