It’s a bittersweet time for fans of MasterChef Australia and dessert lovers alike, as the creative genius behind some of the most jaw-dropping sweets ever seen on Aussie TV faces a tough chapter in his culinary journey.

The much-loved chef, who first won our hearts on MasterChef in 2015 and later wowed us on Dessert Masters, has just received some devastating news. What happened?

For those who’ve followed Reynold Poernomo’s rise from reality TV favourite to dessert king, this news comes as a real shock.

KOI Dessert Bar, famous for its luxurious, imaginative, and Instagram-worthy creations, quickly became a must-visit for foodies in Melbourne and Sydney.

But like many in the hospitality industry, Reynold and his family have been hit hard by the challenging economic climate, with the Melbourne branch now seeking a new licensed retailer to take over the location.

Sadly, KOI Dessert Bar has gone into voluntary administration.

Reynold Poernomo’s Melbourne KOI Dessert Bar has gone into voluntary administration, with the site continuing to trade while a new licensed retailer is sought. Image source: @koidb / Instagram.

KOI Dessert Bar isn’t just Reynold’s baby—it’s a family-run business, with his brother Ronald Poernomo serving as managing director.

Ronald has assured fans and customers that the Melbourne venue at 100 Queen St is still trading during the administration process, and that the team is working closely with administrators to explore all options, including potential franchise opportunities.

'This is a common commercial strategy designed to attract the highest possible value for the business,' Ronald explained. 'The viability of other alternate options to preserve KOI’s presence in Melbourne will also be discussed with the administrator in good faith.'

Importantly, Ronald emphasised that this setback only affects the Melbourne operation. The KOI Dessert Bar brand—including its popular Sydney venues in Chippendale and Ryde, as well as global collaborations—remains strong and unaffected.

'KOI Dessert Bar remains fully committed to its customers, staff, and suppliers, and to delivering world-class culinary experiences with creativity, integrity, and care,' he said.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Reynold has faced business challenges. Earlier this year, his Sydney eatery Monkey’s Corner entered liquidation, reportedly owing nearly $500,000 to creditors, including unpaid taxes.

Reynold’s journey hasn’t just been about business ups and downs—he’s also had his fair share of emotional highs and lows on reality TV.

After finishing fourth on MasterChef in 2015, he returned five years later and came third, and was crowned runner-up on Dessert Masters in 2023. Despite his incredible talent and a legion of loyal fans, Reynold has never quite clinched the top spot.

In a candid interview, Reynold revealed that he’s officially done with reality TV competitions. 'There’s not a chance' he’ll return for another shot at the crown, he told Yahoo Lifestyle.

The repeated near-misses have taken their toll, and Reynold says he’s ready to move on to bigger and better things—possibly even overseas.

'I can’t just be pigeonholed the whole time on the show,' he shared. 'It’s time for me to keep growing and keep moving onto bigger things. It’s not the end, it’s just the beginning. Maybe I might go for Michelin overseas, maybe I might go into the entertainment industry overseas. But definitely somewhere in Asia or somewhere in the States.'

Read more: Popular cooking show faces shock exit as mystery sacking fuels speculation

Key Takeaways

• Reynold Poernomo’s Melbourne KOI Dessert Bar has gone into voluntary administration, with the site continuing to trade while a new licensed retailer is sought.
• This setback follows a string of business troubles for Poernomo, including the closure and liquidation of his Sydney bar Monkey’s Corner, which reportedly owed nearly $500,000 to creditors.
• The issues currently only affect the Melbourne outlet, with KOI Dessert Bar’s Sydney venues and international collaborations said to be operating as usual and unaffected by the administration.
• Poernomo has declared he won’t return to reality TV like MasterChef or Dessert Masters, stating he’s 'had enough' and hinting at plans to pursue new opportunities overseas where he feels more appreciated.

Have you ever visited KOI Dessert Bar or tried one of Reynold’s famous desserts? What are your thoughts on the challenges facing Aussie restaurants today? We’d love to hear your stories and opinions—share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Suzanne rose]

It hasnt been talked about in my family or circle of friends
Either it wasn't that popular or it was badly handled financially

 

[Julie1946]

You can blame this current government for all these businesses closing, the cost to run a viable business is astronomical, rent, power, wages, red tape, it’s impossible hence thousands of small businesses have gone bankrupt since the Albanese government has come into power.. soon we will have nothing and be happy as they are telling us. Australia once considered The Lucky Country is certainly not anymore if you are trying to succeed in any type of business.. and certainly if you are trying to build a home

 

[darrellh]

Ronald is certainly able to produce amazing food creations so I am sure he will do well. It is always a shame when things go into liquidation but fingers crossed he works through this.

 

[EILEEN W]

I have loved Reynold ever since his very first appearance on Masterchef and he was absolutely robbed of winning the title. His creations were absolute works of art as well as looking delicious. Living in Queensland i was never fortunate to enjoy any of his pastries or desserts. I wish him every success and hope he can rise again probably in a country which will appreciate his talent more than Australia did.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Goodbye!

Do you charge $28 for two scoops of Aldi vanilla icecream and strawberry topping?

 

[Veggiepatch]

It even gets better!

I went to check KOI's menu and my anti virus program went berserk, telling me the its website status was "suspicious".

 

[Sherril54]

I don`t know much about Reynold`s business dealings apart from something went wrong. I would like to know how much his customers were being charged at his restaurants!! This could be the seccret of his demise. But at the same time he has indicated that this is not the end of his career, he will be moving on, maybe overseas who knows. They may not be good at managing a business who knows.
And by the way Australia is and continues to be the LUCKY COUNTRY stop bringing politics into this. Countries all over the world are facing a financial crisis, there are several wars going on as well. I think we are doing very well in Australia no recession as yet!

 

[Jest]

never heard of him.

 

[Sherril54]

never heard of him.

He was on MasterChef and made beautiful cakes and deserts. My aunt loved MasterChef so this is how I became aware of him.

 

[jsan]

I don’t know how people afford his products as I have looked on his website and one of his items went from 75 dollars to 480 dollars most that I liked at were in the 175 dollar range He also give a rating of how many people each cake serves To expensive for me

 

[BruceC]

Never heard of it!
And out family has never spoken about it..
Just checked their menu.
If you want to charge $90 for a cake the. You deserve to go broke!

 

[rachtrex]

I loved Reynald and I think that master chief is rigged so he couldn't win. especially when he did the incredible golden snitch, I think he is beyond Master chief and hopefully he will gain success and claim the world's best desert master I'm sorry it didn't happen here. Go for gold Reynald, you deserve the best. I think you are SIMPLY The. BEST. BETTER THAN ALL THE REST!!!!!

 

[Littleboy8]

Oh dear! Another one bites the dust.
Where’s Ian

 

[darrellh]

Unfortunately the time and effort it takes to make the masterpieces means straight away they are really expensive and out of the reach of many everyday Australians especially when there is a cost of living crisis going on and can't see it ending anytime soom unfortunately. There is no doubt he is very clever and extremely talented but his customer base would be limited.

 

[RobbyNotTheRobot]

And by the way Australia is and continues to be the LUCKY COUNTRY stop bringing politics into this. Countries all over the world are facing a financial crisis, there are several wars going on as well. I think we are doing very well in Australia no recession as yet!

And just who do you think started all of this the world over. Politics started it.
And wars? Some say Israel is within it's rights to strike back. I say this has been going on since Biblical times and Trump was correct to say they have long forgotten what they are fighting about.
A few days ago I was reading a newspaper from 105 years ago and guess what was reported? Yes, trouble in Palestine and fights and the Jews wanting their land back
Putin's power has gotten to him and bent Politics to his end.
It's almost impossible not to bring Polictics into any discussion.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Reynald's Hot Chocolate Log, served with vanilla, caramel or hazelnut sauce.

Just $225 per serve.

 

[Veggiepatch]

And just who do you think started all of this the world over. Politics started it.
And wars? Some say Israel is within it's rights to strike back. I say this has been going on since Biblical times and Trump was correct to say they have long forgotten what they are fighting about.
A few days ago I was reading a newspaper from 105 years ago and guess what was reported? Yes, trouble in Palestine and fights and the Jews wanting their land back
Putin's power has gotten to him and bent Politics to his end.
It's almost impossible not to bring Polictics into any discussion.

Does KOI's Dessert Bar sell these?

 

[GoodEnough]

You can blame this current government for all these businesses closing, the cost to run a viable business is astronomical, rent, power, wages, red tape, it’s impossible hence thousands of small businesses have gone bankrupt since the Albanese government has come into power.. soon we will have nothing and be happy as they are telling us. Australia once considered The Lucky Country is certainly not anymore if you are trying to succeed in any type of business.. and certainly if you are trying to build a home

You COULD blame the current government for you bowels not opening this morning, and that would be no mor credible than the rest of your illogical, political rant.

And you probably have no idea why Australia was once considered the lucky country.

 

[mOiOz]

And just who do you think started all of this the world over. Politics started it.
And wars? Some say Israel is within it's rights to strike back. I say this has been going on since Biblical times and Trump was correct to say they have long forgotten what they are fighting about.
A few days ago I was reading a newspaper from 105 years ago and guess what was reported? Yes, trouble in Palestine and fights and the Jews wanting their land back
Putin's power has gotten to him and bent Politics to his end.
It's almost impossible not to bring Polictics into any discussion.

Actually... RELIGION started it! Islam - the religion of pieces!
The Quran TELLS them to kill all the infidels (every non-Muslim on the planet) especially, Jews!
And that's what they have been doing and will continue doing!

As for reading about 'Palestine' 105 years ago... impossible!
So-called 'Palestine' - After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel recovered Judeah and Samaria (known today as West Bank). It was then that Yasser Arafat, leader of Cuba, founder of the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organisation) said: “Jordanian citizens being trapped behind Israeli lines, are now to be called ‘Palestinians’!”

In 2005, after further unrest and conflict, Israeli PM Ariel Sharon evacuated all Jews from the Israeli town called Azza, and gave it to displaced Arabs, as a symbol of peace (who renamed it Gaza) . They too called themselves Palestinians and referred to this land as 'Palestine'!

The name, 'Palestine', has NEVER been an official name documented anywhere in history. They simply called it 'Palestine' after referring to themselves as Palistinians.
It's basically the same as Catholics living in Rome, changing the name of their city to 'Catholicine' or... Mormons in Salt Lake City, changing their city name to 'Mormonine'!