Turning 25 is often seen as a milestone, a time for reflection and perhaps a touch of nostalgia. But what if, instead of slowing down, a business used its quarter-century mark to redefine itself and solidify its place in the community? That's the story of Edgar's, a beloved Ainslie pub that's not just surviving, but thriving, as it approaches its 25th birthday. You'll likely need a reservation to get a table on any given night, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Co-owner Frank Condi attributes their success to a simple yet powerful strategy: adaptability.
"The biggest factor for that business was for it to evolve," he explains. "It didn’t open as it did today; it was a small corner venue with a BBQ in the kitchen and free-standing fridges behind the bar. It was pretty raw and basic."
This evolution has been key. Edgar's has transformed from a humble corner pub into a multi-faceted venue, incorporating upstairs spaces like Wakefields and The Inn, along with Mama's Pizza, a traditional Italian wood-fired pizza joint. This expansion has allowed them to offer a range of experiences, from upscale dining to the classic pub atmosphere, all under one roof.
"It's a classic pub that anyone and everyone can go to, whether you’re wearing trackie pants or a suit," Condi states, emphasizing the pub's welcoming nature.
But here's where it gets interesting: Edgar's intentionally aimed to replicate the feel of those historic corner pubs found in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Condi's vision was clear: to create something lasting, a cornerstone of the community.
"I wanted something that would outlast me, something classic, something that was a part of the community and Canberra never got those suburban corner pubs so we wanted to bring that to Ainslie," he shares, drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of English pubs.
Condi acknowledges the crucial role the Ainslie community has played in their success.
"We’re very lucky here in Ainslie: the IGA is amazing, that family has expanded the business tenfold, and we’ve got everything you need here. The doctor’s surgery, the laundromat, all the businesses that have been there so long and feel like they’re a part of the landscape.”
Edgar's, alongside other local businesses, has become an integral part of a thriving local ecosystem. Condi also acknowledges the challenges facing the hospitality industry, such as changing consumer habits and rising costs. However, he believes their longevity and strong community ties are key to navigating these hurdles.
"It’s about community engagement. We’ve got kids in the neighbourhood who grew up in the area and went on to work for us, and now they’re coming back here and having kids. The return business that feels like they’re a part of it really helps. We want everyone to feel like they belong there.”
Condi's vision extends far into the future. He's aiming for another 25 years in business, banking on the reputation they've built over the past two and a half decades. His ultimate goal? To create a place that people from all over the city wish they had in their own neighborhoods.
Edgar's is located at 1 Edgar Street, Ainslie, and is open 7 days a week from 7 am to 11 pm, and to 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
What do you think? Do you agree that community engagement is key to a business's long-term success? What other factors contribute to the longevity of a local establishment like Edgar's? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
