A long-standing favourite in the Australian dining scene has shocked its patrons by announcing its closure after decades of service.

What initially seemed like another typical business decision has quickly evolved into a larger conversation about the state of the industry and what drove the owners to make such a drastic choice.

The story behind the closure has sparked heated debates and left many wondering about the forces at play.

Food Star Sunshine, a popular all-you-can-eat buffet in Melbourne's west, announced it was closing after 25 years of business.

Melbourne's Food Star Sunshine closes after 25 years. Image source: Food Star Sunshine

The owners shared their decision in a brief message posted to their website on 6 January, stating: 'Australia has become corrupted by a corrosive mix of nihilism and embraced a radical liberal ideology that celebrates the rejection of anything from the past that could stabilize society including any inheritance of previous forms of culture.'

'You just have to look at the abuse thrown towards our staff in the past few years to realize this, what is old is no longer deemed necessary and indeed something that must be replaced.'

'We had no choice but to close. We are now closed.'

Food Star Sunshine was known for its diverse selection of Western and Asian dishes, which attracted diners from all over Melbourne.

Social media users quickly reacted to the unexpected closure, with one Aussie writing: 'Look buddy, stop spreading your radical liberal ideology. That's not a cockroach in the cheesecake; it's just a little bit of nihilism.'

Food Star Sunshine, which earned a mixed rating of 3.2 stars on Google, had both loyal and critical customers.

One reviewer mentioned: 'Not a lot of food options, barely any food in the containers anyway, food is not that good. Sanitary is so bad I saw a plate with green spots which is probably soap. Waitress is nice though.'

Another shared: 'The food quality was abysmal, leaving a tasteless and unpalatable impression on my palate. Not only was the food lacking in flavor, but it also seemed to be of the lowest possible quality, reminiscent of cafeteria fare from decades past.'

A reply from the owner to a review stated: 'We don't cook for people with refined palates. That is not our main customer base, we are the go to destination for people with a more primal instinct of getting a full stomach after a game of rugby rather than some sort of sensory experience.'

There were also positive reviews, with one noting: 'Food was very yummy! And a decent variety. Price was good for what we got,' though the reviewer added, 'Atmosphere was a bit lacking though. Not all of the lights were on, and there was no, like, background music or anything.'

Another reviewer reminisced: 'Used to come here as a kid. Although it looks "old retro/out of date" I still think it's cool we have a few places that haven't changed, where you can look back and remember old times that still exist.'

Food Star's other Melbourne locations in Reservoir and Frankston had already closed, with Food Star Frankston serving its final meal in 2022 after 23 years.

Key Takeaways

• Food Star Sunshine closed after 25 years in business, citing unavoidable circumstances.
• The owners expressed frustration over societal changes and staff mistreatment in their farewell message.
• Customers had mixed reviews, with some praising the food and others highlighting cleanliness and food quality issues.
• Other branches of the restaurant in Melbourne also closed, with the Frankston location closing in 2022.

As the dust settles on this unexpected closure, many are left wondering: What does the future hold for long-established businesses in a rapidly changing world?

We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below.

 

[Veggiepatch]

You should read the reviews that justifiably paint Food Star Sunshine as a dirty dump with sub standard food. Then read the response from the owner! Here is example.

If I went to a bar and bought a white girl a drink and then she says sorry you're not my type. I don't expect to get a refund on the cost of the drink, that's a risk I take. There is a certain level of social snobbishness and entitlement for white girls to go to into Asian restaurants expecting to taste test 5 plates of food and then expect a refund on the price of entry. You clearly have an obnoxious view of your place in society.

The owner, Xi Kai Liu, the f**kwit who personally copped a $20000 fine for numerous health regulation breaches, is clearly the racist one!

 

[NotNats]

I can remember when I first moved to Sydney to work (lived at Coogee Beach) back in 1978 (age 17 art student). My friends & I used to go to several places in the CBD where you could "All you can Eat for $2". Yes, even back then the menu selection was small, the only limit was sit time (2hrs) at most places. But the food was filling and hot. But over time they mostly disappear, but more to do with customers bring in containers to take food home (seen this happen so many times). Yes, the places didn't look great and didn't employ a lot of staff to keep the tables and floors clean, but I never once got sick at these places. My friends and I use took the time to clean our table before sat down & before we left. This was called curtesy back then, so the staff did get to know us, which worked in our favour later on when they changed limit per meal. But now I fully understand why these days these places can't stay open. Everyone wants a 5-star, 40+ menu choice for under $5 - $10 per sit meal. Also, most people are pigs now-a-days and won't even try to clean after they have eaten. Just walk into any Fast-Food places where YOU the customer are expected to take your rubbish and tray to the bin area so staff can wipe down the tabletops for the next sit-down customer. Sad seeing the world we live in these days where most people believe that they are entitled to FULLY table servers at all types of Food outlets, just because they bought a meal there.

 

[NotNats]

You should read the reviews that justifiably paint Food Star Sunshine as a dirty dump with sub standard food. Then read the response from the owner! Here is example.

If I went to a bar and bought a white girl a drink and then she says sorry you're not my type. I don't expect to get a refund on the cost of the drink, that's a risk I take. There is a certain level of social snobbishness and entitlement for white girls to go to into Asian restaurants expecting to taste test 5 plates of food and then expect a refund on the price of entry. You clearly have an obnoxious view of your place in society.

The owner, Xi Kai Liu, the f**kwit who personally copped a $20000 fine for numerous health regulation breaches, is clearly the racist one!

And it's not just the WHITE females who acted entitled, most people (Male & Female) do this.

YES, I proud to call myself a WHITE GIRL because that is what my skin tone is. And I'm a blonde as well.

 

[novezar]

I can remember when I first moved to Sydney to work (lived at Coogee Beach) back in 1978 (age 17 art student). My friends & I used to go to several places in the CBD where you could "All you can Eat for $2". Yes, even back then the menu selection was small, the only limit was sit time (2hrs) at most places. But the food was filling and hot. But over time they mostly disappear, but more to do with customers bring in containers to take food home (seen this happen so many times). Yes, the places didn't look great and didn't employ a lot of staff to keep the tables and floors clean, but I never once got sick at these places. My friends and I use took the time to clean our table before sat down & before we left. This was called curtesy back then, so the staff did get to know us, which worked in our favour later on when they changed limit per meal. But now I fully understand why these days these places can't stay open. Everyone wants a 5-star, 40+ menu choice for under $5 - $10 per sit meal. Also, most people are pigs now-a-days and won't even try to clean after they have eaten. Just walk into any Fast-Food places where YOU the customer are expected to take your rubbish and tray to the bin area so staff can wipe down the tabletops for the next sit-down customer. Sad seeing the world we live in these days where most people believe that they are entitled to FULLY table servers at all types of Food outlets, just because they bought a meal there.

So "Veddy veddy" true.

 

[Veggiepatch]

And it's not just the WHITE females who acted entitled, most people (Male & Female) do this.

YES, I proud to call myself a WHITE GIRL because that is what my skin tone is. And I'm a blonde as well.

Ahh! The epitome of beauty!

Just like @DLHM!

 

[Suzanne rose]

I can remember when I first moved to Sydney to work (lived at Coogee Beach) back in 1978 (age 17 art student). My friends & I used to go to several places in the CBD where you could "All you can Eat for $2". Yes, even back then the menu selection was small, the only limit was sit time (2hrs) at most places. But the food was filling and hot. But over time they mostly disappear, but more to do with customers bring in containers to take food home (seen this happen so many times). Yes, the places didn't look great and didn't employ a lot of staff to keep the tables and floors clean, but I never once got sick at these places. My friends and I use took the time to clean our table before sat down & before we left. This was called curtesy back then, so the staff did get to know us, which worked in our favour later on when they changed limit per meal. But now I fully understand why these days these places can't stay open. Everyone wants a 5-star, 40+ menu choice for under $5 - $10 per sit meal. Also, most people are pigs now-a-days and won't even try to clean after they have eaten. Just walk into any Fast-Food places where YOU the customer are expected to take your rubbish and tray to the bin area so staff can wipe down the tabletops for the next sit-down customer. Sad seeing the world we live in these days where most people believe that they are entitled to FULLY table servers at all types of Food outlets, just because they bought a meal there.

Omg I remember going to a Chinese restaurant behind I think the QVB and eating all you want for $2 . I think it was either Kent St or Clarence St.
That would have been in the late 70s

 

[Kayer02]

This is their last week , Australia wide

They have been shut in shopping centres here in Qld for a long while.. Have been able to purchase on line for most shops but that is due to end.. forever !!! What a shame

 

[Defiant540]

That last sentence was unnecessary, don't you think?

nope

 

[Defiant540]

Move with the times or fail.
Do people yearn for the Coles Cafeteria?

yup

 

[Veggiepatch]

yup

Or Four Corners Food Court at Roselands Shopping Centre in southern Sydney.

@Suzanne rose would know it VERY well!!

She lives a kilometre from there!

 

[Suzanne rose]

Or Four Corners Food Court at Roselands Shopping Centre in southern Sydney.

@Suzanne rose would know it VERY well!!

She lives a kilometre from there!

It used to be on the lower level and really dark. I remember I had my first banana split there. now it's on the top level with a glass roof . And it's called the food court now
Then

Now

Raindrop fountain gone

 

[Suzanne rose]

Or Four Corners Food Court at Roselands Shopping Centre in southern Sydney.

@Suzanne rose would know it VERY well!!

She lives a kilometre from there!

Do you remember the Grace Bros restruant on the roof top. You could eat outside and there was a kids ride on train.

I showed pictures to my kids and they say Riselands should bring it back as well as the cinema.
They can't believe how different it is now