Hospitality and events company, The Big Group, has announced a major new chapter as Compass Group Australia steps in as a strategic investor.
The partnership positions the business for national expansion and greater global reach, while reinforcing the growing value of Australia’s event economy.
A boost for Australia’s thriving event sector
The event industry generates more than $49 billion for Australia each year, fuelling tourism, hospitality and local economies. The Big Group has played a prominent role in this landscape for more than three decades, serving over two million guests annually at landmark events including the Australian Open, Melbourne Cup and the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
The new investment will help the company accelerate into more cities, new venues and international opportunities, enhancing its ability to deliver large-scale experiences that showcase Australian hospitality.
Creativity meets scale
The Big Group will remain fully founder-led under Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh, with its culture, team and creative vision unchanged. The key shift is access to Compass Group Australia’s national footprint across 700 locations and its expertise in expanding founder-driven brands without compromising creativity.
The partnership strengthens opportunities for the group’s 2,200 staff, including new pathways for development and the chance to work across a broader network of venues and collaborations.
Expanding across Australia
Recent milestones have included a major Sydney expansion, featuring venue partnerships at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia—where Canvas restaurant earned a Chef’s Hat in its first month—and the launch of ILUMINA, a landmark event space in the 1 Elizabeth precinct.
The Compass Group investment now sets the stage for even larger ambitions as The Big Group celebrates its thirty-fifth year in operation.
Compass Group’s confidence in the partnership
Compass Group Australia says the investment reflects the strength of The Big Group’s reputation for innovation, craft and a distinctly Australian hosting style. The partnership combines the global capability of Compass with the creative leadership of The Big Group to support the future of Australia’s event economy.
