Sydney hospitality figure charged over north shore break-in
Sydney’s bar scene has been rocked after Universal Hotels director Steven Kospetas was charged in connection with an alleged break-in at a Ryde apartment.
Kospetas, 33, was arrested in May over the incident, which police say happened last October. Court documents allege he and two other men – Tahi Davis, 27, and Fotios Kates, 36 – entered the property and took car keys and registration papers.
According to sources familiar with the case, Kospetas was believed to have been helping a friend settle a dispute over the vehicle’s ownership. He was charged with aggravated break and enter in company and stealing property valued under $60,000, before being released on bail the same day.
Universal Hotels, founded in 1998 by the Kospetas family, is one of Sydney’s most prominent pub groups with a portfolio spanning 15 venues including The Imperial in Erskineville, The Oxford Hotel in Darlinghurst, and CBD staples M Bar and V Bar.
Steven has been a director since 2011, overseeing acquisitions and sales. His LinkedIn profile notes:
“Steven is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to a sale or a purchase as he has great passion in design and being creative with properties within the group.”
Kospetas, who has been in Greece and is expected back in Sydney this week, has pleaded not guilty. His bail conditions now require him to report to police three times a week. He is due back in court in October.
Davis and Kates were also granted bail earlier this year, with Kates facing an additional charge of property damage relating to the unit’s door. Both will return to court in February.
Universal Hotels chief executive Harris Kospetas declined to comment when approached by the Herald.
Jonathan Jackson, 16th September 2025
