Barbeques Galore: How an Aussie icon got cooked
Sydney Morning Herald
by Colin KrugerFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Barbeques Galore, an Australian institution known for its iconic barbecues, has faced a surprising downfall despite the booming barbecue market. Once a thriving brand with a strong presence in both Australia and the US, Barbeques Galore recently collapsed financially after years of losses exceeding $30 million. Despite the growing demand for outdoor cooking products, driven by Australia's deep-rooted barbecue culture, the company struggled to maintain its market share against competitors like Bunnings and Harvey Norman. This decline highlights the challenges faced by established retailers in adapting to changing consumer behaviors and online competition.
Founded in 1976 by Max Mason in Sydney, Barbeques Galore quickly expanded and even listed on the ASX in 1982. The company's journey included a foray into the US market by 1980, but its acquisition by various private equity groups over the years, including Ironbridge and Quadrant, did not prevent it from facing financial turmoil. By the late 2000s, its US operations filed for bankruptcy during the global financial crisis, signaling early signs of trouble. Despite attempts to reinvent itself, particularly during the pandemic when online sales were expected to rise, Barbeques Galore continued to struggle with stagnant sales and rising costs.
The company's inability to secure a stable financial footing became evident in its latest ASIC reports, which raised concerns about its viability as a going concern. Issues such as ongoing losses, negative net worth, and precarious financing ultimately led
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/23/2026