Au revoir? Award-winning French restaurant enters administration after 20 years
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Seeing long-standing establishments close could mark the end of an era.
An iconic French restaurant, once lauded by the Restaurant and Catering Association, recently entered into administration, leaving many food enthusiasts and patrons in disbelief.
Once regarded as Australia's best French restaurant, Brisbane's Montrachet has entered administration.
The move followed a series of bakeries operated by Montrachet's head chef, Shannon Kellam, closed down.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) documents revealed that Cuisinier Australis Pty Ltd, which traded as Montrachet, was placed into external administration on Wednesday.
McGrathNicol's Mark Holland, Jamie Harris, and Anthony Connelly stepped in to navigate turbulent times for the restaurant.
'It is with a heavy heart that I regret to advise that we have made the tough decision to place the business into administration,' Chef Kellam wrote in a statement.
'We are very grateful for the ongoing support provided by our clientele, staff and suppliers over the past 20 years.'
Despite the grim circumstances, the restaurant remained open over the weekend to cater customers.
The administrator's role is a complex one, as it involves discussions with key stakeholders and secured creditors to explore Montrachet's future prospects.
The goal is to find a pathway that could save the restaurant from its current predicament.
Shannon Kellam and his wife Clare acquired Montrachet in 2015.
Under their stewardship, the restaurant flourished and won dozens of awards—including two chef's hats in this year's Good Food Guide.
However, the restaurant's success story took a turn when Kellam's BCN Events Group, which included King Street Bakery and Mica Patisserie, went into liquidation last May.
The BCN Event Group's collapse was attributed to the significant challenges facing the hospitality industry: the global pandemic, changing consumer behaviours, and economic pressures.
The administrators issued a call for potential buyers interested in acquiring Montrachet.
The hope is that this bastion of French culinary art can find a new lease on life, preserving its legacy and continuing to delight Brisbane locals.
Montrachet's predicament served as a reminder of the food and beverage industry's fragility, even for those at the pinnacle of their craft.
It underscored the importance of adaptability, financial insight, and a touch of good fortune to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
What do you think about Montrachet's sudden administration? Do you have any memories of the said restaurant? Share your stories and thoughts with us in the comments section below.
An iconic French restaurant, once lauded by the Restaurant and Catering Association, recently entered into administration, leaving many food enthusiasts and patrons in disbelief.
Once regarded as Australia's best French restaurant, Brisbane's Montrachet has entered administration.
The move followed a series of bakeries operated by Montrachet's head chef, Shannon Kellam, closed down.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) documents revealed that Cuisinier Australis Pty Ltd, which traded as Montrachet, was placed into external administration on Wednesday.
Brisbane's Montrachet entered administration amid financial woes. Image Credit: Instagram/Montrachet
McGrathNicol's Mark Holland, Jamie Harris, and Anthony Connelly stepped in to navigate turbulent times for the restaurant.
'It is with a heavy heart that I regret to advise that we have made the tough decision to place the business into administration,' Chef Kellam wrote in a statement.
'We are very grateful for the ongoing support provided by our clientele, staff and suppliers over the past 20 years.'
Despite the grim circumstances, the restaurant remained open over the weekend to cater customers.
The administrator's role is a complex one, as it involves discussions with key stakeholders and secured creditors to explore Montrachet's future prospects.
The goal is to find a pathway that could save the restaurant from its current predicament.
Shannon Kellam and his wife Clare acquired Montrachet in 2015.
Under their stewardship, the restaurant flourished and won dozens of awards—including two chef's hats in this year's Good Food Guide.
However, the restaurant's success story took a turn when Kellam's BCN Events Group, which included King Street Bakery and Mica Patisserie, went into liquidation last May.
The BCN Event Group's collapse was attributed to the significant challenges facing the hospitality industry: the global pandemic, changing consumer behaviours, and economic pressures.
The administrators issued a call for potential buyers interested in acquiring Montrachet.
The hope is that this bastion of French culinary art can find a new lease on life, preserving its legacy and continuing to delight Brisbane locals.
Montrachet's predicament served as a reminder of the food and beverage industry's fragility, even for those at the pinnacle of their craft.
It underscored the importance of adaptability, financial insight, and a touch of good fortune to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
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