Karen’s Diner
The events of the past 15 months and international border closures have presented big challenges for the Australian hospitality industry. Yet, for the new owners of one iconic Sydney location, business is booming.
Sydney-based hospitality company, Viral Ventures, owners of Sydney’s famous World Bar (now known as Wonderland Bar) have opened seven new venues in the past 12 months, employing over 78 local staff in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. At a time when staff shortages in the industry are rife, the company has upweighted it’s focus on creating local jobs.
With this in mind, Viral Ventures is transforming an empty retail space, and launching Karen’s Diner, a 1950s style US diner where the food is great and the staff are rude, on the 7th July in World Square, as the company attracts Sydneysiders back to the CBD in this six month pop up.
With the rise of the notorious complaining ‘Karens’ in today’s society and in a bid to poke fun at today’s ‘cancel culture’, this innovative concept will be an interesting place to visit where customers can enjoy American comfort food such as burgers, wings, shakes and cocktails, where the staff and customers alike are encouraged to have some rude, tongue-in-cheek fun. The menu will also feature a number of vegan and vegetarian options as well.
Speaking of the new launch, Viral Ventures Co-Founder Aden Levin said: “All of our concepts at Viral Ventures are designed to make sure people have fun and potentially try something they have never experienced before, whether it’s an immersive experience in our Wonderland Bar or being served by angry Karen’s in our new Karen’s Diner. We just want people to have fun and this is our approach to all our venues and pop-ups around Australia.”
Adapting its business model in the wake of Covid-19, Viral Ventures was determined to continue its strong growth strategy. Incredibly, the business has seen 150% growth in revenue over the past 12 months, generating over $5,000,000. In light of this recent success, the team is eager to continue to expand at this pace and continue to create local jobs.
This milestone is ever growing for Co-Founders and Directors Aden Levin and James Farrell who believe there is no limit to the creativity of their concepts. Aden and James have a combined three and a half decades of experience in the events industry between them. Aden successfully landed investment on the hit show, Dragons Den UK for his innovative and unique concept Mainstage Travel, and carries a wealth of experience in the events industry, while James is prominent in the events and creative space, successfully launching record breaking events.
Operating globally in Australia, USA, UK and Canada, with a plan to enter the Asia market, Viral Ventures currently has a range of themed venues across three continents including The Wonderland Bar and The Big Bake, and Beyond Cinema as well as multiple pop ups also gracing cities such as the Smugglers Ship and Bumper Cars on Ice.