Tragic shutdown: Award-winning MasterChef venue to close doors
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The Australian culinary scene has been dealt a heavy blow. An award-winning venue founded by former MasterChef contestant Jamie Fleming has closed due to insurmountable economic pressures.
This news shocks many, especially since the Brisbane-based establishment had just been crowned Queensland's best bar by the esteemed hospitality website Boothby.
Alba Bar and Deli, which opened its doors in 2019, was a beacon of gastronomic innovation. It combines the urban cool of Brooklyn with the culinary flair of Barcelona.
Its unique 'Brooklyn meets Barcelona' atmosphere is inspired by the famous pintxos bars of San Sebastian, Spain, and quickly became a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
The venue's social media post revealed the heart-wrenching decision to shut down, attributing the closure to rising operating costs and insufficient support.
‘We are a small team and always try to offer the best quality service and produce,’ Albas stated.
‘Unfortunately, with prices of everything going up and little support, there is unfortunately only one clear end.’
‘Economic pressures as well as having terrible timing with the opening (you know what we mean), means we have had to make this heart-wrenching decision. ‘
The restaurant expressed gratitude to all who have supported it over the years and particularly appreciated the broader hospitality industry.
‘We have always had huge support from those we respect and love the most, our peers,’ they continued.
‘Without your support, Alba would have been another statistic and instead, we have been given the opportunity to swing for the fences and continue to hit the mark.’
‘It has truly been our pleasure serving, feeding, laughing and dancing with every single one of you. Whether we are a bar you eat well at, or a restaurant you get lit at we still don’t know.’
Albas concluded the post by assuring that this ‘won’t be the last you see of us’.
The hospitality industry, already reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen many establishments struggle to stay afloat. Alba's, unfortunately, was no exception.
Despite the challenges, Alba's team remained committed to providing top-quality service and production.
They even adapted to the pandemic by selling takeaway cocktails in vacuum-sealed bags.
Their website proudly boasted of serving the freshest produce alongside a carefully curated selection of sherry, natural wine, and vermouth and a generous cocktail menu.
‘Both our food and drinks menus are constantly evolving with the season and the creativity of our team,’ their website read.
‘Experience all of this against the backdrop of an understated hip hop soundtrack which will transport you straight to 90s Brooklyn.’
The closure of Alba's is a reminder of the precarious state of the hospitality industry in Australia.
It follows a worrying trend of high-profile restaurant closures across the country, including Redfern's Redbird and Barangaroo's Tequila Daisy in Sydney, as well as the iconic Tetsuya's, which confirmed its closure after 35 years in the city's Central Business District.
According to CreditorWatch, a financial services company, at least one in 13 Australian hospitality businesses is predicted to fail in the next 12 months.
Restaurateurs are facing a perfect storm of rising costs and reduced diner numbers, which could lead to more beloved venues closing their doors.
In related news, a famous Australian chef and television host is closing her Sydney restaurant on 26 June.
She attributed her decision to retire from the restaurant business to the challenging conditions currently facing the industry. You can read more about it here.
What are your favourite memories of local restaurants and bars that have impacted your life? Share with us in the comments below.
This news shocks many, especially since the Brisbane-based establishment had just been crowned Queensland's best bar by the esteemed hospitality website Boothby.
Alba Bar and Deli, which opened its doors in 2019, was a beacon of gastronomic innovation. It combines the urban cool of Brooklyn with the culinary flair of Barcelona.
Its unique 'Brooklyn meets Barcelona' atmosphere is inspired by the famous pintxos bars of San Sebastian, Spain, and quickly became a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
The venue's social media post revealed the heart-wrenching decision to shut down, attributing the closure to rising operating costs and insufficient support.
Albas Bar and Deli in Brisbane announced closing due to economic pressures from the cost of living crisis. Credit: @albabaranddeli / Instagram
‘We are a small team and always try to offer the best quality service and produce,’ Albas stated.
‘Unfortunately, with prices of everything going up and little support, there is unfortunately only one clear end.’
‘Economic pressures as well as having terrible timing with the opening (you know what we mean), means we have had to make this heart-wrenching decision. ‘
The restaurant expressed gratitude to all who have supported it over the years and particularly appreciated the broader hospitality industry.
‘We have always had huge support from those we respect and love the most, our peers,’ they continued.
‘Without your support, Alba would have been another statistic and instead, we have been given the opportunity to swing for the fences and continue to hit the mark.’
‘It has truly been our pleasure serving, feeding, laughing and dancing with every single one of you. Whether we are a bar you eat well at, or a restaurant you get lit at we still don’t know.’
Albas concluded the post by assuring that this ‘won’t be the last you see of us’.
The hospitality industry, already reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen many establishments struggle to stay afloat. Alba's, unfortunately, was no exception.
Despite the challenges, Alba's team remained committed to providing top-quality service and production.
They even adapted to the pandemic by selling takeaway cocktails in vacuum-sealed bags.
Their website proudly boasted of serving the freshest produce alongside a carefully curated selection of sherry, natural wine, and vermouth and a generous cocktail menu.
‘Both our food and drinks menus are constantly evolving with the season and the creativity of our team,’ their website read.
‘Experience all of this against the backdrop of an understated hip hop soundtrack which will transport you straight to 90s Brooklyn.’
The closure of Alba's is a reminder of the precarious state of the hospitality industry in Australia.
It follows a worrying trend of high-profile restaurant closures across the country, including Redfern's Redbird and Barangaroo's Tequila Daisy in Sydney, as well as the iconic Tetsuya's, which confirmed its closure after 35 years in the city's Central Business District.
According to CreditorWatch, a financial services company, at least one in 13 Australian hospitality businesses is predicted to fail in the next 12 months.
Restaurateurs are facing a perfect storm of rising costs and reduced diner numbers, which could lead to more beloved venues closing their doors.
In related news, a famous Australian chef and television host is closing her Sydney restaurant on 26 June.
She attributed her decision to retire from the restaurant business to the challenging conditions currently facing the industry. You can read more about it here.
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