Aussie Airbnb for dinner parties Gathar launches in US

Australian “Airbnb for dinner parties” Gathar has partnered with celebrity chef Curtis Stone to bring their in-home dining experience to the US.

Gathar’s US expansion comes off the back of the start-up securing $1 million in post-seed funding led by angel investment group ACAC Innovation, alongside new investors including Up Bank co-founder, Dominic Pym.

The dining company’s first foray into an overseas market comes after it saw a 330 percent increase in demand in 2021, reporting growth across all key markets despite tough times in the hospitality sector.

Jodie Milkota, Gathar CEO and co-founder said, “Our growth in revenue and ability to attract investment, even during pandemics and floods, has proven our resilience and potential. It’s so encouraging to know our users, investors and partners like Curtis can see the possibilities ahead for Gathar globally.”

Mlikota said the capital raised will be used to scale the Gathar platform and team in Australia as well as establishing the brand’s presence in the United States.

“Over the past four years, our focus has been on building a global, scalable platform that changes the way the world gathers. We’ve created thousands of amazing dining experiences in Australia from date nights to dinner parties, corporate events and weddings,” she said.

Stone said he is incredibly proud to bring this Aussie initiative to his adopted home, especially at a time when more chefs are making the move towards the creator economy.

“The thing that excites me about Gathar is the amazing community of chefs and caterers we’ll be supporting, giving them the ability to create restaurant-quality dining experiences for people in the comfort of their own homes.

“The world has changed for chefs. Post-pandemic, we’re seeing more chefs wanting to start their own private chef businesses and I think Gathar is in the perfect position to support this shift within the industry.”

Since launching in Cairns and Port Douglas 2018, Gathar now services 27 locations across all Australian states and territories, from a community of more than 180 chefs, cooks, caterers and stylists.