ABOUT FANCY HANK'S
OUR STORY
Fancy Hank’s came from humble beginnings — and a whole lotta hustle.
It all kicked off in 2012 when Kent Bell launched a roaming pop-up, slinging authentic American BBQ out of a food truck across Melbourne. After two years on the move, Kent teamed up with long-time mate Mike Patrick.
United by a love of good food and big flavours, the pair set their sights on something more permanent — and that’s when things really started to heat up.
2014 onwards
They found their first semi-permanent digs at the Mercat Cross Hotel, running the smoker four days a week and building a loyal following one brisket at a time. Those were the fun times — long days, late nights, and regular firewood runs out to Springrock, Mike’s grandparents’ farm. That’s where they’d load up the ute and haul back the ironbark that gave their BBQ its signature flavour.In 2014, Kent and Mike teamed up with Myles Munro and Daragh Kan to launch Fancy Hank’s BBQ Joint, locking in a full-time setup at Mercat.
2016 onwards
By late 2016, they made the leap to their forever home — a beautiful Art Deco building on Bourke Street, right in the heart of the CBD. Then came the rooftop. In December 2016, the team launched Good Heavens — a Palm Springs-inspired cocktail bar perched above the smokehouse. With sunny vibes, bright drinks, and city views for days, it quickly became a go-to for knock-offs and weekend hangs.
Shutting down Bourke Street to crane in a 2-tonne smoker?
Bit of an ordeal — but totally worth it.
By 2023, the party needed more room.
Good Heavens tripled in size, transforming into Melbourne’s largest rooftop bar, complete with a retro-futuristic fit-out, al fresco fireplace, and a big, brutalist bar that pours with attitude.
And just below it all, they brought it full circle. In July 2024, the team opened Springrock — named after the very farm where it all began. A laid-back public bar with a nostalgic country pub feel, Springrock serves up elevated classics with a Fancy Hank’s twist.
Think cheeseburgers made with brisket offcuts, in-house smoked bacon, and the kind of pub food that sticks with you (in the best way).
Beyond the venues, Fancy Hank’s products, from sauces to seasonings, have taken off, too.
You’ll now find 11 products stocked nationwide in retailers like David Jones, with plans to go global. Proudly Australian and fiercely flavour-first, Fancy Hank’s continues to bring the good times wherever they go.
