Jono and Tam Take the Reins at Merino Motor Inn, St George

July 14, 2024

"The Merino brings people together"

St George, QLD — A new chapter has begun for one of St George’s most recognisable accommodation landmarks, with Jono and Tam officially taking over the Merino Motor Inn.


Located in the heart of town, the Merino Motor Inn has long been a favourite stopover for travellers exploring the Balonne Shire, as well as a comfortable base for visiting workers and events. Known for its spacious rooms, hearty country hospitality, and convenient location, the inn holds a special place in the community — and Jono and Tam are eager to build on that legacy.


“We’ve always loved the spirit of St George and the way the Merino brings people together,” Tam said. “Whether it’s welcoming grey nomads on their way through or hosting locals for a special event, we want every guest to feel right at home.”


The couple plan to refresh the property with a focus on warm, personalised service, while keeping the relaxed country charm that regular guests know and love. Plans include updating some of the accommodation facilities, expanding the dining options, and introducing small touches to make each stay memorable.


Jono,  says taking over the Merino is more than a business venture — it’s a commitment to community. “We’re not just running a motel; we’re investing in St George. This town has given us so much, and we want to give back by making the Merino a place locals are proud of.”


With their first busy season ahead, Jono and Tam are excited to welcome both new and returning guests, inviting everyone to experience their vision for modern comfort in the heart of the bush.


For bookings and enquiries, visit the Merino Motor Inn or contact the team on (07) 4625 3333.


March 25, 2026
The Merino Motor Inn continues to raise the bar with its latest round of upgrades—this time focusing on the heart of its hospitality offering: the kitchen. As part of its commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences, the venue has invested in cutting-edge cooking technology with the installation of a Synergy Grill Trilogy Series . A Smart Upgrade for a Modern Kitchen In today’s hospitality landscape, efficiency, consistency, and sustainability are more important than ever. The Merino Motor Inn recognised this shift and chose the Trilogy Series grill to align with its forward-thinking approach. The Trilogy Series isn’t just another grill—it represents a new generation of cooking technology. Designed with high power output and significantly lower energy consumption , it allows chefs to prepare food faster while reducing operating costs. For a busy kitchen, that’s a game-changer. Faster Service, Better Results With the new grill in place, the kitchen team can now deliver meals more efficiently without compromising on quality. The Trilogy Series is engineered to maintain consistent temperatures, ensuring perfectly cooked dishes every time—whether it’s a premium steak, seafood, or classic pub favourites. This upgrade translates directly to the guest experience: Reduced wait times Consistent, high-quality meals Enhanced menu capability Sustainability Meets Performance One of the standout features of the Trilogy Series is its energy-efficient design . Compared to traditional char grills, it significantly lowers gas usage while maintaining superior performance. This aligns perfectly with the Merino Motor Inn’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. By reducing energy consumption, the venue is not only cutting costs but also minimising its environmental footprint—an increasingly important factor for modern travellers and diners. Award-Winning Technology The Synergy Grill technology behind the Trilogy Series has received global recognition, including the 2019 Footprint Award for Sustainable Catering Equipment . It’s also accredited by the Carbon Trust, reinforcing its credentials as an environmentally responsible choice. By bringing this level of innovation into its kitchen, the Merino Motor Inn is investing in proven, award-winning equipment that supports both performance and sustainability goals.  Investing in the Future This kitchen upgrade is part of a broader vision at the Merino Motor Inn: to continually evolve and improve every aspect of the guest experience. From accommodation enhancements to dining excellence, every upgrade reflects a commitment to quality. The addition of the Trilogy Series grill ensures the kitchen is not only equipped for today’s demands but ready for the future of hospitality.
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