General News
26 February, 2025
New owners feel at home behind the bar at Pomonal's Barney's Bar & Bistro
Col, Susie Macaffer pass Barney's Bar & Bistro on to Damo & Tash.
Halls Gap chef Damon Henrichsen and his partner Tash Jones have taken charge at Pomonal's iconic Barney's Bar & Bistro, blending the restaurant's storied history with several fresh additions.
The pair bought the business from locals Susie and Colin Macaffer in January, who are looking forward to a new chapter in life.
Mr Henrichsen, part owner of Flame Brothers and Gelato Guys, said he was excited to be a part of Barney's history.
"We have lived in Pomonal for six years now. We've fallen in love with the community," he said.
"It's nice to be able to support the community. It's a very good venue for that.
"Colin and Susie have been great supporters of community events the whole time they've been here. So it's nice to pick that up and run with it."
Initially planned as a soft February launch, the Grampians National Park bushfires and quicker-than-expected red tape brought the changeover forward to mid-January.
"Taking over Barney's was something Tash and I had been speaking with Colin and Susie for a while," he said.
"They took on Barney's at a time similar to when we took on Flame Brothers, so they thought we were a good fit."
Mr Henrichsen has already brought some of his skills and expertise to the Barney's, extending the menu beyond the traditional fare.
"We've got a portable gelato cart to bring Gelato Guys products here," he said.
"I'd also like to do some smoked meat and use some of the Flame Brothers menus here and vice versa; bring some of Barney's menu items there, too."
The Macaffers took over Barney's in 2020; the COVID-19 pandemic stretched the handover over eight months.
This time, the changeover happened much faster.
"It happened quickly because the liquor license changed faster than we thought," Colin said.
"It was a bit of a surprise to us. It was probably two weeks sooner than we thought."
"We're stepping out because it feels right. I'm just excited," Susie added.
"I don't feel 'Oh my goodness, what have we done?' It feels right.
"We've had a great time at Barney's. Yes, we'll miss people, but we'll find our own feet."
Pomonal has seen several pandemic-related closures in those five years and two bushfires.
Each setback has tested businesses and the community as a whole.
"We've had a great time, but it's been tough with COVID, followed by fire, followed by another fire," Susie said.
"We didn't have the energy to take it to the next level, and that's where Tash and Damo are going to come in and reckon they'll just do those things that we dreamt of."
Despite gaining more time to travel and see their extended family, Mr Macaffer said he'll still visit Barney's regularly.
"We will still come along on Friday night with the other locals and to enjoy ourselves," he said.