Our Story
From a single quartermaster's resourcefulness to Melbourne's leading hospitality supplier — 75+ years of family, service, and passion for the industry.
Origins
A man and his mission
Our founder Mr Fred Herz was born in Czechoslovakia in 1910. During World War II (1939–1945), he fled to join the English-backed Czech Army and was sent to Palestine as a quartermaster — responsible for sourcing and distributing every kind of supply, from weapons and fuel to kitchenware and crockery for military mess halls.
1910–1945
1945–1946
Melbourne beginnings
From Palestine to the Savoy Plaza
After the war, Mr Fred Herz returned to Czechoslovakia. However, the rise of communism in the area saw him immigrate to Australia. He began his career in Melbourne as a professional waiter at the Savoy Plaza Hotel on Spencer Street.
Australia was experiencing its largest influx of immigration, and widespread shortages of hospitality equipment followed. Drawing on his quartermaster expertise, Mr Herz began sourcing hotel supplies — and saw an opportunity.
The founding
Hotel Agencies is born
Recognising the special needs and difficulties experienced by those in the Hospitality Industry, Mr Fred Herz established a small operation at Rankins Lane in the Melbourne CBD — named Hotel Agencies because it was foremost a supplier to Melbourne's hotel industry, with the Agencies (brands) he imported from overseas.
During his 29 years of operation, Mr Fred Herz prided himself on providing a high degree of personalised service to his vast clientele.
1947
1976
A new chapter
The Bacash family takes the helm
In 1976, Carl and Souraya Bacash purchased Hotel Agencies, continuing and enhancing the tradition of service established by Mr Fred Herz.
During the mid-70s and 80s, Melbourne's Hospitality industry flourished due to the vast cultural background of its people. The City of Melbourne gained worldwide notoriety for excellence in international cuisine. Ethnic origins and 34 years of experience as a restauranteur provided Mr Carl Bacash Senior with an intimate knowledge of the needs of those working in the Hospitality Industry.
Growth years
1978
Moves to 6 Alexandra Parade, Fitzroy
1980
Moves to 302 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy
1982
Michael Bacash joins the family business
1984
Settles at 298 Nicholson Street — home to this day
Next generation
Michael Bacash joins the family business
In 1982, Mr Carl Bacash Senior's son Michael Bacash joined the family business, carrying on the tradition of personalised service that had defined Hotel Agencies since its founding.
1982
1984
A permanent home
298 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy
Hotel Agencies purchased and settled in its current location at 298 Nicholson Street Fitzroy — the address it still calls home today.
Peak growth
Victoria's number one destination
During this period Hotel Agencies experienced its largest growth in its history, cementing the company as the largest and number one destination for hospitality supplies in Victoria.
1984–2007
2007
A milestone birthday
60 years of service
Hotel Agencies celebrated 60 years of continuous service to the Hospitality Industry — a testament to the enduring legacy of Mr Fred Herz and the Bacash family's stewardship.
70th anniversary
Seven decades of service
Hotel Agencies celebrated 70 years of service to the Hospitality Industry — a proud milestone for the Bacash family and everyone who has been part of the journey.
2017
2018
Third generation
Carl Bacash joins the business
Michael Bacash's son Carl Bacash joined the family business in 2018 — bringing the third generation of the Bacash family into the fold, and ensuring the legacy of Hotel Agencies continues well into the future.
2022
75 years
Still serving, still growing
Hotel Agencies celebrates 75 years of service to the hospitality industry and is ideally positioned to maintain its long-standing tradition of service to you, through the Bacash Family.
Melbourne's hospitality home since 1947
Three generations. One family. Seventy-five years of service and counting.
