Barbeques Galore

Barbeques Galore is an Australian specialist retailer focused on outdoor cooking and backyard living. Founded by Max Mason in Sydney in 1976, the business developed around the sale of barbecue grills, fuel, cooking accessories and related outdoor products. Its retail assortment has included gas and solid-fuel barbecues, ceramic cookers, portable grills, smokers, barbecue fuels, sauces, rubs, utensils, replacement parts, patio heating and outdoor furniture. The company has also sold products under its own or closely associated brands, including Ziegler and Brown, Beefmaster and Ziggy, while distributing or retailing established international brands such as Kamado Joe, Traeger, Beefeater, Prosmoke, ProQ, Masterbuilt and Everdure by Heston Blumenthal. The company expanded outside Australia in 1980, opening a store in Santa Fe Springs near Los Angeles. Its corporate history subsequently became divided between Australian and United States operations. Barbeques Galore spent a period as a public company, remaining listed on the Australian Securities Exchange for approximately a decade before delisting in 1996 and listing on Nasdaq soon afterward. A leveraged buyout by Australian private-equity firm Ironbridge Capital led to a further change in ownership in 2005. Ironbridge separated the Australian and United States businesses into distinct entities while retaining ownership of both. The US operation later encountered severe trading conditions associated in part with the decline in new housing construction during the subprime-mortgage-related downturn. It filed for Chapter 11 protection in August 2008, and its assets were acquired by Grand Home Holdings the following month. The Australian business was acquired by Quadrant Private Equity in 2016. During the late 2010s and early 2020s, Barbeques Galore pursued a retail transformation intended to make its stores more experiential and to broaden its role from equipment retailer to outdoor-cooking specialist. In 2020 it introduced the “Now You’re Cooking” television campaign, began rolling out a new store format and added expanded food ranges, including fresh barbecue cuts in selected stores. Its concept-store work received design recognition, while the BBQ Legends loyalty program was recognised in Australian retail innovation awards. The business also promoted a broader omnichannel range and planned additional stores, systems investment and merchandise expansion. The brand’s retail proposition combined specialist advice with a wide product range. Its assortment included premium and mainstream gas barbecues, charcoal and ceramic grills, smokers, portable cooking products, fuels and consumables. Its Ziegler and Brown relationship gave it a prominent position in portable barbecue retail through the Ziggy range, while Beefmaster products emphasised features such as the SearPRO cooking system, structural heat retention and an extended warranty. Outdoor furniture and indoor and outdoor heating broadened the business beyond cooking equipment into backyard and home-lifestyle categories. Barbeques Galore received further industry recognition in 2024, including Medium Retailer of the Year from the Australian Retail Association and a Good Design Award associated with the Ziggy Elite portable grill. The business was sold to United States investment firm Gordon Brothers in December 2025. In February 2026 it entered receivership and administration, with Ankura appointed receivers and managers and Grant Thornton appointed administrator. At that point the network comprised 68 company-owned stores and 27 franchises. Receivers cited liquidity issues and examined strategic alternatives despite reports of an underlying turnaround in trading. Five underperforming company-owned stores were announced for closure in March 2026. In June, receivers announced that the remaining company-owned stores would also close after a buyer was not secured and suppliers did not approve a proposed deed of company arrangement involving Gordon Brothers. Franchisees were reported to be outside the receivership and continued trading during a transitional period. Grant Thornton was subsequently reported to have been reappointed liquidator. On 3 August 2026, ACOM International acquired the brand’s intellectual property and wholesale network. Under the new ownership, franchisees were expected to continue as licensees, with possible future development through online retail, wholesale distribution and additional retail partners.

Barbeques Galore was established by Max Mason in Sydney in 1976 as a specialist barbecue retailer. Its early development centred on the growing Australian market for backyard cooking, with the company selling barbecue equipment and associated accessories. In 1980 it entered the United States, opening a store in Santa Fe Springs, California, near Los Angeles. The business later operated through Australian and American arms and experienced several changes in corporate ownership and capital-market status. It was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange for about ten years before delisting in 1996. It subsequently listed on Nasdaq, but was removed from that market in late 2005 following a leveraged buyout by Ironbridge Capital. Ironbridge separated the Australian and US operations into two entities while retaining ownership of both. The US business was badly affected by a downturn in housing construction associated with the subprime mortgage crisis. Barbeques Galore USA sought protection under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code on 15 August 2008. Its assets were purchased by Grand Home Holdings on 12 September 2008. The Australian business continued separately and was acquired by Quadrant Private Equity in 2016. During the late 2010s and early 2020s, the Australian retailer broadened its proposition from barbecue equipment into a more comprehensive outdoor-living offer. In 2020 it introduced the “Now You’re Cooking” television campaign, began rolling out a redesigned store format and added selected fresh barbecue-meat ranges. The new format was intended to create a more engaging shopping environment and support a wider combination of cooking equipment, food, accessories, furniture and heating products. The retailer was included in Inside Retail’s 2020 list of notable Australian retailers. Its design and innovation program continued to receive recognition. A concept store in Everton Park won Gold at the 2021 Sydney Design Awards. In 2022, the BBQ Legends loyalty program was recognised at the Australian Retail Innovators Awards. That year the company also outlined plans involving new stores, larger store and online ranges and investment in its systems. In 2024 it was named Medium Retailer of the Year at the Australian Retail Association’s annual awards, while its Ziggy Elite portable grill received a Good Design Award. The company’s merchandising combined proprietary and exclusive products with third-party brands. Barbeques Galore was the exclusive Australian distributor for Ziegler and Brown products and carried the Ziggy portable-grill range. Its Beefmaster range incorporated features including SearPRO cooking, structural heat retention and a six-year warranty. The retailer also sold Kamado Joe ceramic grills, Traeger pellet products, Beefeater barbecues, Prosmoke and ProQ smokers, Masterbuilt equipment and Everdure by Heston Blumenthal products. Fuels, sauces, rubs, utensils and replacement accessories helped create a recurring-consumables component, while outdoor furniture and heating products extended the offer into broader backyard living. In December 2025, the business was sold to Gordon Brothers. In February 2026, it entered receivership, with Ankura appointed receivers and managers and Grant Thornton appointed administrator. At that time it had 68 company-owned stores and 27 franchises. Receivers cited liquidity issues and investigated possible outcomes. Five underperforming company-owned locations were identified for closure in March. In June, the remaining 62 company-owned stores were announced for closure after a buyer was not found and suppliers did not approve a proposed deed of company arrangement under which Gordon Brothers would have recapitalised the business. Franchisees were reported to continue trading during a transitional period, and Grant Thornton was later reported to have been reappointed liquidator. On 3 August 2026, ACOM International acquired Barbeques Galore’s intellectual property and wholesale network. The transaction preserved a route for the brand to continue through franchisees operating as licensees, as well as through possible online, wholesale and third-party retail channels. The change marked a transition from a large company-owned store network to a more asset-light brand and distribution model.

• 2026

  Receivership and store closures

  [1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  The company entered receivership and administration, followed by the closure of its company-owned stores.

• 2026

  ACOM International acquisition

  [1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  ACOM International acquired the intellectual property and wholesale network on 3 August.

• 2025

  Sold to Gordon Brothers

  [1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Gordon Brothers acquired the business in December.

• 2020

  Retail transformation begins

  [1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  The brand launched the “Now You’re Cooking” campaign, began rolling out a new store design and expanded selected food ranges.

• 2016

  Quadrant Private Equity acquisition

  [1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Quadrant Private Equity acquired the Australian business.

• 2008

  US operation enters Chapter 11

  [1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  The US arm filed for Chapter 11 protection, and its assets were acquired by Grand Home Holdings.

• 2005

  Ironbridge Capital buyout

  [1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  A leveraged buyout led to Nasdaq delisting and the separation of the Australian and US operations.

• 1996

  Australian listing ends

  [1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  After approximately a decade as an ASX-listed company, Barbeques Galore delisted from the Australian Securities Exchange.

• 1980

  US expansion

  [1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  The company opened a store in Santa Fe Springs, California.

• 1976

  Barbeques Galore founded in Sydney

  [1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Max Mason founded the Australian barbecue specialist in Sydney.

A specialist, advice-led Australian barbecue and outdoor-living retailer offering equipment, consumables, furniture and heating across mainstream and premium price segments.

• Portable grills

  Ziggy

  The Ziggy range is a line of portable barbecues associated with Ziegler and Brown and distributed exclusively in Australia through Barbeques Galore. The products were positioned for flexible outdoor cooking, combining portability with the functionality of a larger barbecue. The Ziggy Elite model received a Good Design Award in 2024.

• Gas barbecues

  Beefmaster

  Beefmaster is a barbecue range exclusively offered by Barbeques Galore in Australia. Its stated product features include the SearPRO cooking system, structural heat retention and a six-year warranty. The range formed part of the retailer’s own or exclusive barbecue proposition alongside products from international manufacturers.

• Ceramic grills

  Kamado Joe

  Barbeques Galore distributed Kamado Joe ceramic grills and accessories. These products extended the retailer’s range into kamado-style cooking, which supports grilling, roasting, smoking and heat-retention cooking. The assortment complemented gas barbecues and portable grills with a premium ceramic-cooker format.

• Wood-pellet grills

  Traeger

  Traeger products were among the established barbecue brands carried by Barbeques Galore. The range represented wood-pellet outdoor cooking and broadened the retailer’s offer beyond gas, charcoal and ceramic formats.

• Outdoor living

  Outdoor furniture

  Outdoor furniture formed part of the company’s broader backyard-living assortment. Its inclusion supported the store transformation strategy by presenting Barbeques Galore as a destination for outdoor entertaining rather than solely a seller of grills and accessories.

• Indoor and outdoor heating

  Heating products

  The retailer sold heating products under brands including Saxon, Austwood and Norseman. These products expanded the company’s seasonal and lifestyle range into indoor wood heaters and related heating solutions.

• 2020Now You’re Cooking

  Australia

  A television campaign introduced as part of a wider transformation of the Barbeques Galore brand and retail experience. It supported the company’s effort to frame barbecue cooking as an accessible lifestyle activity.

  Outcome. The campaign accompanied a new store-design rollout and broader product development.

  Source

• 2026

  Company-owned store closuresStrategy

  Background

  Receivers were unable to secure a buyer for the company-owned retail network, and suppliers did not approve a proposed deed of company arrangement involving Gordon Brothers.

  Action taken

  Five underperforming stores were first selected for closure, followed by the announcement that the remaining company-owned stores would close.

  Aftermath

  Franchisees continued trading during a transitional period, while the brand’s intellectual property and wholesale network were later sold to ACOM International.

  Source

• 2026

  ACOM International acquisitionM&A

  Background

  Following receivership, liquidation and the closure of company-owned stores, the brand required a new operating structure.

  Action taken

  ACOM International acquired Barbeques Galore’s intellectual property and wholesale network on 3 August.

  Aftermath

  Franchisees were expected to continue as licensees, with online, wholesale and other retail-channel opportunities under consideration.

  Source

• 2025

  Sale to Gordon BrothersM&A

  Background

  The Australian business changed ownership in December 2025.

  Action taken

  Gordon Brothers acquired Barbeques Galore.

  Aftermath

  The business entered receivership and administration in February 2026.

  Source

• 2022

  Growth and omnichannel expansion planStrategy

  Background

  The company aimed to build on its store transformation and strengthen its product and customer systems.

  Action taken

  It outlined plans for additional stores, expanded in-store and online ranges and further investment in systems.

  Aftermath

  The plans preceded later ownership changes and the company’s 2026 financial distress.

  Source

• 2020

  Store and brand transformationStrategy

  Background

  Barbeques Galore sought to create a more engaging retail experience and broaden its role in outdoor cooking and entertaining.

  Action taken

  The company launched a new advertising campaign, rolled out redesigned stores and introduced additional ranges, including fresh barbecue cuts in selected locations.

  Aftermath

  The transformation was followed by design and retail-industry recognition, including awards for a concept store and the BBQ Legends program.

  Source

• 2005

  Leveraged buyout and corporate separationM&A

  Background

  The business was acquired by Ironbridge Capital after its Nasdaq listing period.

  Action taken

  Ironbridge completed the buyout and separated the Australian and US arms into distinct entities.

  Aftermath

  The two operations continued on separate corporate paths, with the US business later entering Chapter 11.

  Source

• 2026

  Barbeques Galore enters receivership and administration[1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Bankruptcy · Leadership change

  Ankura was appointed receiver and manager and Grant Thornton was appointed administrator amid liquidity problems. The network then comprised 68 company-owned stores and 27 franchises.

• 2026

  Receivers announce closure of five underperforming stores[1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Bankruptcy

  Receivers announced the closure of five company-owned locations while exploring options for the wider business.

• 2026

  Remaining company-owned Barbeques Galore stores to close[1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Bankruptcy

  Receivers announced closure of the remaining company-owned stores after failing to secure a buyer and after suppliers did not approve a proposed recapitalisation arrangement.

• 2026

  ACOM International acquires Barbeques Galore intellectual property and wholesale network[1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  ACOM International acquired the brand’s intellectual property and wholesale network. Franchisees were expected to continue operating as licensees during the transition.

• 2025

  Barbeques Galore sold to Gordon Brothers[1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  The Australian business was sold to United States investment firm Gordon Brothers in December.

• 2024

  Barbeques Galore receives 2024 retail and product-design awards[1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The company was named Medium Retailer of the Year by the Australian Retail Association, and the Ziggy Elite portable grill received a Good Design Award.

• 2022

  BBQ Legends loyalty program recognised at Australian Retail Innovators Awards[1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The retailer’s BBQ Legends loyalty program was recognised at the Australian Retail Innovators Awards.

• 2022

  Barbeques Galore outlines store, range and systems expansion[1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The company described plans for additional stores, broader in-store and online ranges and further investment in business systems.

• 2021

  Barbeques Galore receives recognition for retail design and innovation[1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  A new concept store in Everton Park received Gold at the Sydney Design Awards.

• 2020

  Barbeques Galore launches the “Now You’re Cooking” campaign and new store format[1]Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org

  Campaign

  The retailer introduced a new television campaign and began implementing a redesigned store concept intended to improve the customer experience and support a broader outdoor-cooking offer.

1. 1Barbeques Galoreen.wikipedia.org