Our Team
TARIQ KUFOOF
Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer
The founder and CEO of The Atherton Group, Mr Tariq Kufoof was seeking to expand his knowledge and skill set by pursuing his Master’s degree, where he arrived to Australia in 2007.
Already equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems, he was dedicated to achieving his goal of obtaining his second Masters degree. Upon his arrival in Sydney, Mr Kufoof visited a convenience store on the corner of Kent Street and Market Street in the Sydney CBD to meet a friend who worked there. Through his friend’s assistance, Tariq secured a position as a store clerk and began working while simultaneously pursuing his studies.
During his time at City Convenience. Mr Kufoof quickly adapted to the business and gained valuable experience by managing and improving various stores. In 2009, Tariq successfully completed his Master’s degree at UTS in Computer Management Information Systems.
Motivated by his involvement in the operations of the convenience store business, Tariq decided to open his first independent convenience store in 2011, located in Surfers Paradise. Although the store initially had no name, it proved to be a successful and profitable venture due to its prime location. Tariq continued to open stores each year until 2014 when he established his first brand.
“Quikstop” was established in Gold Coast University Hospital in 2014 and continues to operate successfully to this day. Quikstop represents a quality brand built by a tightly knit family business that prioritizes the needs of its customers. The
store offers a wide variety of products and services, including Lottery.
In 2020, Mr Kufoof decided to venture out of his comfort zone and created a new brand called “Spitz” Mediterranean Food and Kebab offering in Bondi Junction on Bronte Road, catering to the diverse culture of the bustling area. Once the first store opened, this venture quickly gained popularity as there were no other high-quality Mediterranean take-away options available in the vicinity. Later introducing Squids Ink Newsagency along with a boutique homewares store called Honeysuckle offering high quality homeware and picnicware lines. These two retail stores were opened in Brickworks Shopping Centre in Southport Queensland.
Further gaining more momentum in 2021, Mr Kufoof introduced another brand called Quikstop Café which opened its first store with Sydney Trains in Bondi Junction Railway Station. The café offers high-quality barista-made Campos coffee, sweet and savory delicacies, and treats while also providing the convenience store services.
In 2022, Mr Kufoof expanded his Spitz Mediterranean food concept by opening another store in Bondi Beach, and a third location is currently under construction in the heart of Potts Point, set to open in early 2024. Mr Tariq Kufoof reflected on the structure of his business while brainstorming with a friend, he decided to establish a holding company to accommodate the diverse range of brands he had created. Thus, in 2024, The Atherton Group was introduced.
“The Atherton Group now oversees QuikStop, Quikstop Café, Honeysuckle Store, The Squids Ink Newsagency and Spitz Mediterranean Kebabs, with over 20 sites nationwide.”
Looking ahead of its forecast, The Atherton Group has budgeted to open an additional 24 stores within the next three financial years and a warehousing arm of the business.