In the bustling culinary landscape of Brisbane, a notable setback has occurred as one of the city's bakery empires collapses into liquidation.

The closure of this prominent establishment marks a significant turn of events in the local hospitality scene, prompting reflection on the challenges faced by businesses amidst shifting economic landscapes.

As news of this development reverberates, it underscores broader discussions surrounding sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the resilience required to navigate the complexities of the modern market.

Chef Shannon Kellam's BCN Events Group, the umbrella for a collection of beloved bakeries and cafes, has unexpectedly entered voluntary liquidation.

For years, Chef Kellam's establishments have been more than just places to grab a quick bite; they've been institutions where the community could gather, indulge in high-quality fare, and even learn the art of cooking through Kellam's culinary education initiatives.

These venues' sudden closure has left patrons and employees in a state of shock and uncertainty.

Renowned Queensland Chef Shannon Kellam's BCN Events Group, operating multiple Brisbane bakeries and cafes, voluntarily entered liquidation. Credits: Instagram / Mica Brasserie / King Street Bakery

The liquidation, which took effect on Tuesday, May 28, saw the shuttering of several popular spots, including Mica Express in Brisbane CBD, Mica Brasserie in Newstead, the iconic King St Bakery in Bowen Hills, and The Kneadery in Newstead.

Mark Holland, Jamie Harris, and Anthony Connelly from advisory and restructuring firm McGrathNicol stepped in as liquidators to navigate the challenging waters ahead.

While the Mica branch at the airport remains operational, as it is under a separate licence from BCN Events Group, the fate of the other venues hangs in the balance.

Fortunately, the French restaurant Montrachet in Bowen Hills, another of Chef Kellam's ventures, remains untouched by the liquidation due to its separate legal entity status. It continues to welcome diners, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the closures.

Sadly, the Lumiere Culinary Studio in Newstead, known for its cooking classes and events, has not been so lucky and will also be closing its doors.

The impact of the liquidation extended to the staff, with around 90 employees affected by the sudden collapse.

Additionally, according to the Mica and Lumiere Culinary Studio social media page, ‘Orders will also not be able to be fulfilled or processed for Click Chef.’

The liquidators are currently on the hunt for potential buyers who could breathe new life into these establishments or parts thereof.

‘Liquidators are urgently exploring all options for the group,’ McGrathNicol stated.

Holland described the collapse as ‘a casualty of the headwinds facing the hospitality industry’, acknowledging the broader struggles within the sector.

‘We regret to advise there will be a disruption to the group’s ongoing operations,’ he said.

‘We intend to work with staff, customers and suppliers during this difficult time.’

As Brisbane's culinary landscape grapples with the collapse of Shannon Kellam's bakery empire, the closure of Mica and King St Bakery underscores the challenges faced by businesses in the hospitality industry.

This setback is not isolated, echoing a similar narrative unfolding in Melbourne's dining scene, where a renowned restaurant faced its own struggles against rising costs, ultimately dimming its culinary star after a 25-year legacy.

These developments highlight the broader issues impacting the restaurant industry across Australia, from escalating expenses to shifting consumer preferences, shaping the fate of beloved establishments nationwide.

Key Takeaways

• Top Queensland Chef Shannon Kellam’s BCN Events Group, which operated several Brisbane bakeries and cafes, entered voluntary liquidation.
• The collapse impacted seven businesses and around 90 staff, with Mica Express in Brisbane CBD and Mica Brasserie in Newstead, King St Bakery in Bowen Hills, and The Kneadery in Newstead ceasing to trade.
• Montrachet, Kellam's French restaurant in Bowen Hills, was not affected by the liquidation as it is a separate entity.
• Liquidators from McGrathNicol are looking for new owners for the businesses or components of the businesses, amid the ongoing challenges facing the hospitality industry.

How have these venues touched your lives? What will you miss most about them? We invite you to share your memories of Chef Kellam's bakeries and cafes in the comments below.

 

[CristinaV]

When the reset button was pushed at the beginning of "the pandemic we had to have" were we told of the consequences? How many businesses have closed? Anybody keep count? And the elite keep getting richer. Why have we let this happen? Especially in this country which was considered "the lucky country"
Lucky no more.

 

[Luckyus]

When the reset button was pushed at the beginning of "the pandemic we had to have" were we told of the consequences? How many businesses have closed? Anybody keep count? And the elite keep getting richer. Why have we let this happen? Especially in this country which was considered "the lucky country"
Lucky no more.

The actions were in my opinion utterly pointless, all that was needed were possibly masks that and social distancing in public, which is the general rule?

 

[mollieford]

The liquidation of Chef Shannon Kellam's BCN Events Group marks a significant loss for Brisbane's culinary scene. Known for its exceptional quality and innovation, the bakery empire's collapse highlights the challenges faced by the food industry. This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the volatility in the market and the importance of resilience in business.

 

[mollieford]

It's disheartening to see BCN Events Group, a pillar in Brisbane's culinary scene, enter liquidation. Chef Shannon Kellam's impact was significant. At Events By Mala, we recognize the importance of culinary excellence in luxury event planning and hope to see new ventures rise from this chapter's end.