Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Rangers fan Mitchell snaps up supporters’ bar in Spain... at age 16
MANY 16-year-olds dream of being served their first pint – but Mitchell Carling has gone one better and bought a bar.
The Dundee teenager said he wants to follow in the footsteps of parents Graeme and Leanne, who have numerous property and business investments.
And now the Rangers fan has snapped up a Spanish pub that’s a hub for the club’s supporters.
Mitchell attended the High School of Dundee and Strathallan School before deciding to leave last year to pursue his business ambitions.
He now splits his time between Dubai, where his parents are based, and Spain.
And the purchase of Rangers supporters’ pub Bar None in Benalmadena on the Costa Del Sol is just the start of his grand plan.
Speaking from Spain, he said: “I’ve watched my parents complete deals my whole life and I’ve never really known any different.
“From a young age I’ve been interested in making my own money. They were fully supportive when I said I wanted to leave school and get going in business.
“I’ve really happy to have started my own investment business and get my first deal over the line.”
Mitchell said of his new watering hole: “I support Rangers FC and would go to that bar to watch games with my family.
“We got to know the owner who was looking to retire, which made it an easy deal to do.
“The bar’s really popular among Rangers fans and has been on the go for more than 20 years. We’re now in the process of investing in upgrading the bar.”
Mitchell is aiming to add around 10 hospitality businesses to his PTR Hospitality portfolio in the next two to three years.
He wants his business to be earning around £1 million a year by that point.
He adds: “I have no plan in working in a single bar. I’m looking at big scale here. I’m looking to own a few – or more than a few – at the same time.”
The teenager said having his parents on hand to offer advice and support will be invaluable.
“Ever since I hit early teens I’ve been interested in money and trying to make my own money and fascinated on how other people make money,” he said. “I’ve listened to loads of seminars and podcasts.
“I’m excited to get started in business. We’ve identified a pipeline of exciting acquisition prospects.
“Having my parents there for advice about deals and negotiations is a major benefit.”