Barbeques Galore Liquidates 62 Stores, 500 Jobs Lost on June 10

Barbeques Galore will shut its 62 company-owned stores and wind up operations starting June 16, 2026, after a rescue deal collapsed. The iconic Australian retailer, which entered voluntary administration in February, had about 500 staff. Receivers said negotiations with landlords and suppliers failed to reach acceptable commercial terms. The closure marks the end of a business founded in the 1970s by Max Mason.

Rescue Deal Falls Apart Over Supplier Terms

In May, creditors backed a deed of company arrangement (DOCA) proposal from Gordon Brothers, the company’s major creditor and owner since December. The deal would have kept Barbeques Galore operating and preserved most of the 500 jobs. However, receivers announced on June 9 that negotiations with landlords and suppliers failed to reach acceptable terms. Some suppliers, including Chinese suppliers, refused to return to normal credit arrangements. Receivers said they could not implement the DOCA conditions.

Store Closures and Franchise Arrangements

The group operates 89 stores total: 62 company-owned and 27 franchisee-owned. All 62 company-owned stores will close through a controlled wind-up process from June 16. The 27 franchisee-owned stores will work through transitional arrangements with receivers. Receivers Quentin Olde, Luke Pittorino, and Liam Healey of Ankura will continue trading the business and explore sales of remaining stores and assets, including the company name.

Employee Payments and Consumer Gift Cards

All employees will be paid their full accrued redundancy and termination payments during the separation process. Customers with gift cards can redeem them until June 30, but must spend A$2 for every A$1 of card value. For example, a A$50 gift card requires a minimum A$150 total purchase. Unredeemed gift cards after June 30 will be treated as unsecured creditor claims.

Economic Headwinds and Market Challenges

Receivers cited weak consumer sentiment around discretionary goods as a factor in the collapse. The federal budget triggered a downturn in sales, they said. Barbeques Galore faced competition from larger retailers like Bunnings, which offer similar products at lower prices. The company had been in voluntary administration since February after failing to find a buyer or complete a recapitalisation.

Final Thoughts

Barbeques Galore’s liquidation reflects weakness in Australian discretionary retail and supplier confidence. With the DOCA blocked and no alternative buyers, the 50-year-old chain exits the market, leaving 500 workers redundant and ending an iconic brand.

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