Erskineville’s Imperial Hotel has welcomed Sydney’s cult pizza brothers Joey Pepperoni and Marty McFly to its rooftop, providing a permanent home for the duo known as “The Pizza Bros”.
It’s been just over two months since Universal Hotels announced that it had bought the iconic Imperial Hotel for close to $20 million. The introduction of the brothers is just one of the first changes planned for the inner west hotel under the direction of its new owners.
Over the next couple of weeks, the Imperial says it will roll out enhanced entertainment experiences and reimagined offerings tailored to meet community expectations.
The announcement comes after the Imperial held its final weekly Lip Sync Heroes drag comp on Sunday.
Universal Hotels chief executive officer Harris Kospetas said that the group was committed to embracing the venue’s legacy while providing an elevated experience.
“The Imperial Hotel has always been a place where innovation meets tradition, and we’re excited to infuse fresh energy into this beloved space,” he said.
“We have some exciting changes in the works that will undoubtedly resonate with the community.”
But first comes the new range of leopard crust pizzas that will grace its rooftop, which Harris says will be one of a kind.
“The Pizza Bros are not just pizza makers; they’re a cultural phenomenon. Their passion, creativity, and connection to the community resonate with everything we stand for at The Imperial,” he said.
Joey and Marty have over fifteen years of pizza experience after working as the head pizza makers at establishments including Bella Brutta, Gigis and The Dolphin Hotel.
The Imperial will be their first permanent location.
The cancellation of the regular Lip Sync Heroes comp led to Universal telling GSN in a statement that it was committed to being a vibrant hub for entertainment and a “showcase for extraordinary drag talent”.
It said Lip Sync Heroes will remain a part of its program for special events.
ARQ’s Drag for Dollars has been put on pause until at least October.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
