Barbeques Galore Stores Close After Company Faces Money Problems

By Newsroom | Business, Australia |

A recent development has seen Barbeques Galore, a retailer specializing in barbecue grills and accessories, enter receivership. This move follows unsuccessful attempts to find a buyer for the business, casting uncertainty over its 68 company-owned and 27 franchise stores and the approximately 500 employees across Australia. The company’s financial difficulties appear to stem from significant debt burdens impacting its profitability.

Company History and Ownership Changes

Barbeques Galore has a history involving Quadrant as a previous owner. In December 2025, reports indicated that Gordon Brothers, a US-based investment firm, acquired Barbeques Galore from Quadrant. This acquisition was presented as a move to initiate a "next phase of growth" and support the company's "ongoing transformation." Prior to Gordon Brothers, Quadrant had reportedly made several attempts to sell the retailer, citing a lack of growth, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The company's operations extend beyond Australia, with records indicating a presence in the United States as well.

Financial Distress and Receivership

The current situation indicates that Barbeques Galore has formally entered receivership. This typically occurs when a company is unable to meet its financial obligations. Efforts to secure a buyer prior to this step did not yield a successful outcome. The appointment of a voluntary administrator signifies a formal process to manage the company's assets and liabilities.

"A voluntary administrator has been appointed to Barbeques Galore." - ABC News

In the US, a filing for Chapter 11 protection in a California Bankruptcy Court was noted, listing assets and debts each in the range of $10 million to $50 million. This filing also suggested a plan to either sell the company or implement a "consensual liquidating plan" with bank lenders. The reasons cited for this financial distress in the US include a decline in home sales, which are described as a "trigger" for grill sales.

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The existence of both Australian receivership and US bankruptcy filings suggests a complex, possibly international, financial challenge.

Operations and Workforce Impact

The receivership directly impacts a significant number of physical retail locations and a considerable workforce. In Australia, there are nearly 100 stores affected, employing around 500 people. The US filing also points to operations in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with stores in Duluth, Alpharetta, and on Roswell Road.

The uncertainty surrounding the future of these stores and the livelihoods of employees is a key consequence of the company entering receivership.

Ownership and Previous Investments

Information from 2005 indicates Barbeques Galore Limited was a publicly registered entity, with details on company history and executive share grants noted in a Form 20-F/A filing. This suggests a period where the company's ownership structure and financial reporting were more transparent under public scrutiny. The subsequent acquisition by Quadrant, and then by Gordon Brothers, reflects a shift in ownership towards private equity and investment firms.

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The transition through different ownership groups may provide context for the current financial state, though direct links require further investigation.

Potential Creditors and Debt Obligations

The US Chapter 11 filing indicated an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 creditors. This wide range suggests a broad base of suppliers, lenders, and potentially other stakeholders to whom Barbeques Galore owes money. The magnitude of the assets and debts, each between $10 million and $50 million, underscores the substantial financial obligations the company faces.

How these debts are addressed within the receivership and bankruptcy proceedings will be critical in determining the final outcome for the company and its creditors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Barbeques Galore?
The company has entered receivership, which means it has money problems and is closing stores.
Q: How many stores are affected?
Many stores in Australia and some in the US are affected. In Australia, nearly 100 stores are impacted.
Q: How many people are losing their jobs?
Around 500 employees in Australia are affected by the store closures.
Q: Why did this happen?
The company had too much debt, and sales dropped, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: Is this happening in other countries too?
Yes, the company also filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States.