The Fox Friday Group, a rapidly growing name in Australia’s craft beer industry, has entered voluntary administration after its primary lender collapsed. The hospitality group, which has faced difficulties securing a new lender or equity partner in time to prevent this outcome, announced the decision on Friday.
Founded in Tasmania by Benn and Sarah Hooper in 2019, Fox Friday quickly made a name for itself with its signature hazy and American-style beers. The business expanded rapidly, now operating the Moonah Hotel & Cellars in Tasmania alongside a brewery and taproom in Hobart, a taproom at Carwyn Cellars in Melbourne, and another taproom in Perth.
The group’s administration follows the collapse of Falcon Capital, its major investor, and comes amid an ongoing investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) into the investment holding company. ASIC’s probe concerns the management of Falcon Capital and its associated risks to investors. Earlier this month, the court appointed liquidators to wind up Falcon Capital.
With the collapse of Falcon Capital, Fox Friday has been using operational funds to cover its costs. The Hoopers have appointed Keith Crawford and Robert Smith of McGrath Nicol as administrators, with the intention to continue trading while seeking recapitalisation.
This move comes at a time when the hospitality sector is facing significant challenges. A recent report from CreditorWatch revealed that the cost of living pressures have led to a record high of 9.3% closure rate for hospitality businesses in the 12 months to February 2025.
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