Aug 3, 2026 – 12.00pmThe nation’s second-largest pubs group, private equity-owned Australian Venue Co, has reported a strong surge in earnings, up almost one-third in the past year, after it expanded its portfolio and as people opt for cheaper pub meals over restaurants amid cost-of-living pressures.AVC, which grew its number of pubs across Australia and New Zealand from 243 to 255 in the past year, reported that earnings, before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation grew by 27 per cent to $472 million. Revenue was up almost one-fifth to $1.63 billion.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles