EDP Hotels

EDP Hotels commenced operations in 1993 when Ian Tregoning and Graham Hobbs first joined forces in business. At that point, neither partner had any experience in operating hospitality venues whatsoever.

A Bachelor of Economics and Arts (Hons) (Locational Analysis) with a further Graduate Diploma in Property Development, Ian at the time was working with his father in the engineering business of Treg Trailers. A Bachelor of Economics and Law, Graham at the time was a commercial lawyer with the Adelaide legal firm Kelly & Co.

Whilst their friendship formed in the late 1980’s, the decision to mix business with friendship by trying their hand at hospitality crystalised in 1993 with their first purchase, the Hotel Victor, Victor Harbor. As neither knew anything about hotel operations, they initially leased the hotel business to a third-party operator.

However, many hotel acquisitions followed in the next few years and Ian and Graham quickly learnt the hospitality ropes. Their initial incarnation, the Eureka Group was formed.

Some of their early hotel acquisitions included McMahon’s Tavern – Salisbury (renamed Eureka Tavern), the Governor MacDonnell Hotel – Salisbury (renamed Stockade Tavern), Aberfoyle Hub Tavern – Aberfoyle Park, Marinelli’s Tavern – Allenby Gardens (renamed Tavern 540), Ramsgate Hotel – Henley Beach, Hotel Bayview – Whyalla, Exchange Hotel – Port Augusta, Northern Hotel – Port Augusta, Hotel Risdon – Port Pirie and the Bridgeport Hotel – Murray Bridge.

In 1998, Carlton & United Breweries entered into an agreement to buy 10 of the Eureka Group’s hotels and, as part of that agreement, Ian and Graham were restrained from operating any additional hotels in South Australia.

As a result, Ian and Graham turned their attention to Queensland and established 4 new hotels there. Upon expiry of the restraint, the Eureka Group recommenced acquisition and redevelopment of hotels in South Australia with a vengeance.

In 2018, the Eureka Group rebranded itself as EDP Hotels and remains one of the largest privately owned hospitality Groups in South Australia. Today, EDP Hotels owns and operates 18 hospitality venues in South Australia and 1 in Queensland including 11 retail liquor operations.

In line with its renewal and growth strategy, EDP Hotels continues to reinvest heavily in its hotel assets. Of note, in 2022 the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge was recognised as the best regional hotel in Australia having undergone a $45m redevelopment which has transformed tourism in the Murraylands forever.