Barbecues Galore Bankruptcy Puts 500 Jobs at Risk

Barbecues Galore, a well-known Australian retailer, has entered administration, putting 500 jobs at risk. This situation arises after the company faced severe cash flow issues, leading to its takeover by administrators.

Details of the Bankruptcy

On February 12, 2026, Barbecues Galore appointed Grant Thornton’s Philip Campbell-Wilson, Lisa Gibb, and Matthew Byrnes as voluntary administrators. They are tasked with exploring options to revive the nearly 100-store chain.

Despite previous management optimism, Chief Executive David White acknowledged that ongoing liquidity challenges necessitated this restructuring. He noted that “considerable” progress had been made in attempts to stabilize the business.

Impact on Customers

With the company now in administration, the policies for fulfilling orders have changed. Barbecues Galore will honor prepaid orders as long as stock is available. However, customers wishing to redeem gift cards will face new limitations.

• For each $1 of gift card value, customers must spend an additional $2.
• For instance, to use a $50 gift card, a purchase of $150 is required, totaling $100 out-of-pocket.

Management and Future Plans

Alongside the administrators, a management consulting firm, Ankura, has been appointed to oversee the receivership. The firm, under the direction of Quentin Olde, Luke Pittorino, and Liam Healey, will work to either restructure the business or find a buyer.

Olde emphasized that Barbecues Galore is a reputable retailer, known for its premium products. He anticipates strong interest from potential retail operators and investors looking to engage in the company’s future.

Company Background

Barbecues Galore operates 68 company-owned and 27 franchise stores across Australia. The company has been under various private equity ownerships for the past two decades. It was listed on the NASDAQ from 1997 to 2005 and later acquired by Ironbridge Capital.

Quadrant, another buyout firm, took control in stages, with the purchase of a controlling stake in 2012 and full ownership in 2016. Recently, Gordon Brothers, a retail investment firm, acquired Barbecues Galore at a nominal price.

The company remains committed to trading normally while evaluating the best path forward under the current circumstances.