About Star Group

Star Group is one of Aotearoa’s largest and most connected hospitality operators, with over 50 bars, pubs, restaurants, private venues, and catering contracts across the North Island.

Born from the coming together of two well-known hospitality operators – Joylab and Kāpura – and backed by the strength of DB Breweries & Heineken, our focus is simple: creating hospitality experiences that last – powered by people, product, and partnerships that set the standard.

We’re in the business of good times, building spaces where people can connect, celebrate, and enjoy moments that matter – whether that’s in our venues, at events, through our catering or with Star Social rewards.

30+

Years of hospitality
experience

50+

Bars, pubs and
restaurants

80k+

Star Social rewards
members

From careers to catering, loyalty to live events – Star Group creates hospitality experiences that last.

Explore our venues

What We Do

Hospitality Venues

Our venues bring people together at over 50 bars, pubs and restaurants across Aotearoa. From suburban locals where community is everything, to restaurants that celebrate great food and drinks.

Events & Functions

With more than 100 function spaces to choose from within our venues, and private conference venues and meeting rooms. We make it easy to host everything from casual gatherings to corporate events.

Contract Catering

We bring hospitality to workplaces, schools, and community spaces. From Central Kitchen in Wellington, we deliver fresh ingredients to venues and provide nourishing kai through Star Group’s School Lunch programme.

Loyalty & Rewards

Star Group’s rewards programme, Star Social, turns everyday visits into rewarding experiences - with $1 back for every $10 spent, exclusive deals, birthday treats, and member-only perks.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Sam Egerton

Chief Executive Officer

Sam brings 25 years of hospitality expertise to Star Group, having launched high-profile venues with Merivale in Sydney and earned recognition on the Australian Bartenders Most Influential List. Returning home to New Zealand, he’s passionate about creating spaces that bring people together and is set to guide Star Group’s next chapter.

Jamie Williams

Director/Growth

Jamie stands as a co-founder of Wellington Hospitality Group, bringing with him a wealth of experience since the group's inception in 2006.

Andrew Williams

Chief Operations Officer

Will played a pivotal role in co-founding Wellington Hospitality Group back in 2006, bringing a wealth of experience and a keen eye for innovation to our operations.

Hannah Cairns

Chief People Officer

Hannah is a seasoned HR professional, bringing with her a wealth of generalist experience from diverse industries. Her curiosity about what drives people and her passion for understanding human behaviour have shaped her journey. Her vision for Star Group is to become the employer of choice within the hospitality industry.

Adrian Emmanuel

Chief Financial Officer