Hospitality veteran Karl Wilson has taken over the burners at Hog’s Breath Cafe at historic Brisbane site, The Barracks.

Set in the Police Barracks building which was erected in 1860, the restaurant was one of the first Hogs Breath outlets to open in Australia in 1992.

Karl [pictured below] started out as a kitchen hand in country Victoria, and his jobs have included serving Prince Charles and Princess Diana when they stayed at the Shamrock Hotel.

Working with a friend in Melbourne and Geelong outlets of The Hogs Breath Cafe introduced him to the concept of the themed licensed restaurants catering to all ages. They incorporate a seated food service area, a licensed saloon bar and a merchandise shop exclusively carrying the Hog’ster clothing label.

“Hog’s Breath is set up for success as a franchise, with heavy team involvement in the business,” he said. “The group is constantly updating and creating new offers such as lunch specials, kids nights and so on. In this economic climate being in business with a franchise like Hog’s Breath is so much safer than going it alone,” said Karl. “You have the weight of the whole group in marketing, in particular, on your side.”

Now installed as the latest franchisee in one of the oldest sites, Karl loves the atmosphere of The Barracks, with its mix of retail and entertainment.

“We pick up the lunch trade from nearby offices and commercial. Then the locals from the CBD and inner west come in the evening as we are in walking distance,” he says.

“The architecture of the development is very different to other Hog’s Breath’s,” he adds. “It’s a really interesting building with such a history and heritage.”