Timeline
the story so far…
1990
Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh establish The Big Group. Originally called Big & Small Catering & Event Management. A reputation for excellent service and great food developed.
1991
By 1991 the business had grown and The Big Group was born, moving to new premises at 736 Malvern Road, Armadale.
1992
Provencale by The Big Group was the company’s first foray into retail world. Provencale was a pioneer in the retail provedore market, it was a unique concept and fresh to the market place. Provencale was located on the ground level of the premises.
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The Big Group execute the successful opening of the Southgate project catering for over 7000 guests, the opening of the Melbourne International Festival and the Spring Racing Carnival – all taking place within the year.
1994
With the growth of the business The Big Group took over the entire premises in Malvern Rd, Armadale. This allowed for expansion into a more comprehensive share of the Melbourne market, moving into larger events, catering for Grand Prix entertaining, major corporate launches and very special weddings.
1996
The Big Group wins the tender to provide all catering services at the Old Treasury Building at Spring Street, Melbourne. A function and meeting centre catering to both the Government and corporate sectors has been established, providing meeting rooms, seminars and conferences, as well as special dinners and cocktail parties in this beautiful Heritage Building.
2000
The Big Group moves to new offices and larger commercial kitchen in Richmond.
A warehouse in Cubitt Street was renovated and custom designed to allow all 28 full time staff to be housed in the one building with administration, kitchen, décor, logistics and dispatch departments housed under the one roof.
2004
The Big Group enters into an exclusive arrangement with the Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame to provide all catering services for the custom built venue called Champions at Federation Square.
2005
The Big Group expands both the corporate and private sectors of the business. This year saw the re-invigoration of the Old Treasury Building, with a new decor concept in the Archer Wine Room.
2006
A year that was full of promise, starting with The Melbourne Fashion Festival being bigger and better than ever before and The Commonwealth Games being held in Melbourne.
2007
The Design Depot Event Hire is the most recent addition to The Big Group. The Design Depot Event Hire is a creative hub for design concepts and hire of theming elements for private and corporate parties and events.
2008
Dramatic growth in the business results the expansion of the Richmond offices in order to accommodate a team of 55 full time and 500 casual staff.
2009
Luminare is the latest exclusive function venue to be managed by The Big Group. This venue is one of the most exciting and impressive venues on the edge of the city.
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The Big Group forms a partnership to oversee and provide catering for the ANZ Bank’s new global headquarters, The ANZ Centre at Docklands.
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The Big Group ventures into new territory with the opening of their new retail space Capital Kitchen at Chadstone Shopping Centre. Capital Kitchen is an amazing conceptual union between care style dining and retail provedore.
2010
Another busy year lies ahead with The Big Group overseeing all the catering and event requirements for Myer at their new Docklands home.
The renovation of the iconic Mural Hall at Myer Melbourne will be completed in October. The Mural Hall will be exclusive managed by The Big Group.
2011
At the beginning of April the doors of the iconic Mural Hall were open. Take one step inside Mural Hall and you will be transported to another world. Perhaps it is the Parisian inspiration, the parquet flooring or the 18th century style mirrored commodes that dance light around the room, that create the illusion that you are celebrating in a lavish European ballroom.