Australia: Quest Apartment Hotels has announced that it has appointed franchise business owners for Quest Wangaratta and Quest Ballarat Station.
Brendan Du Kamp, existing franchisee of Quest Echuca, has taken ownership of Quest Ballarat Station, while Quest Wangaratta will be led by Oscar Zevallos-Riveros, a former employee of Quest Melbourne Airport.
The two new properties opened in Q4 2020, with Quest operating the businesses under its pre-franchising model.
Quest’s general manager of franchise operations, David Ridgeway, said: “We are pleased to be awarding franchising opportunities to two incredibly deserving members of our network, both of whom have worked their way up from property managers to become franchise owners. Brendan and Oscar have a great appreciation for the Quest brand and journey we are on, as we collectively focus on creating effortless and memorable experiences for guests.”
Du Kamp has been awarded the Quest Ballarat Station franchise, expanding his existing portfolio after the purchase of Quest Echuca in 2019.
He said: “I’ve been part of the hotels sector for over 20 years, and part of the Quest family for ten. It’s been a privilege to grow with the brand over the past decade, starting out as a general manager before stepping in as franchisee at Geelong, then Echuca and now Ballarat Station.”
Quest Ballarat Station is the anchor tenant of the new Goods Shed precinct. The commercial hub will include a conference and events centre, retail and dining offerings when completed later this year, with hospitality company The Atlantic Group announced as a major partner and operator.
Du Kamp continued: “Following a busy year with the refurbishment of Quest Echuca, I’m excited to jump straight into the next opportunity to operate Quest Ballarat Station and play a part in bringing The Goods Shed precinct to life, which will be a sensational offering for local people and tourists alike, and something truly unique.”
Ridgeway said: “Brendan is a consummate professional and consistently strives for excellence, and just this year was named one of four Quest Franchise of the Year winners in recognition of his efforts. Brendan has a knack for tapping into the character of the local area and building relationships, so we trust he will do a sensational job as franchisee of Quest Ballarat Station and have a positive impact on the local tourism industry and community also.”
Meanwhile, Zevallos-Riveros will assume the role of general manager at Quest Wangaratta, making his first foray into franchise ownership under a joint venture with the support of five experienced Quest franchisees.
He said: “When my family first arrived in Australia, one of my first jobs was at Quest. I’m extremely passionate about the accommodation industry and the Quest brand, so I’m delighted to be coming on as franchisee at Quest Wangaratta and becoming a valuable contributor to the great city Wangaratta is.”
