Popular Adelaide Hills wedding venue and restaurant Maximilian’s closes

A popular Adelaide Hills wedding venue and restaurant has shut without warning, with owners blaming Covid and an alleged financial dispute with landlords.

Maximilan’s in Verdun have written to soon-to-marry couples, as well as those with a restaurant booking, advising of their closure

A popular Adelaide Hills wedding destination and restaurant has abruptly closed its doors, leaving several brides and grooms without a venue.

Operators of Maximilan’s in Verdun have written to six soon-to-marry couples, as well as those with a restaurant booking, advising of the closure.

Current owner Andrew Friebe told The Advertiser the issue was “complex”, and that the closure was a result of a longstanding financial dispute with the site’s landlords, as well as the impact of Covid-19 restrictions.

“I’ve lost everything,” he said. “I’m going through the worst time of my life despite trying my very best over so many years. It is demoralising to say the least.”

Maximilan’s in Verdun have written to soon-to-marry couples, as well as those with a restaurant booking, advising of their closure. Picture: Adelaide Matters

The dispute between landlords Maximilian (Max) and Louise Hruska, and respondents

Mr Friebe and Maxcem Pty Ltd, is currently before the courts.

The Hruskas, who opened the restaurant around 45 years ago, claim their tenant owes them $500,000 and has not been paying rent for several years, as reported by 7News Adelaide on Friday night.

The respondents have a counter claim in excess of $500,000, Mr Friebe said.

Andrew Friebe said the closure was a result of a longstanding financial dispute with the site’s landlords, as well as the impact of Covid-19 restrictions. Picture: Matt Turner.

Max Hruska claims their tenant owes $500,000 and has not been paying rent for several years, as reported by 7News Adelaide on Friday night

In a letter sent to soon-to-wed couples on Friday, Mr Friebe promised full refunds on deposits.

“Whilst I am saddened (to say the least) by the decision forced upon me to cease trading … it has now become clear that this is the only responsible course of action for all creditors, customers, and employees,” he wrote.

“Despite the impossible financial position this has now put me in – I give you my commitment that I will return all deposits paid towards your booking.”

Earlier in the week, prospective diners who held bookings at the restaurant, including for Mother’s Day, were emailed advising of the closure, which took effect on May 7.

“We advise that due to not only the impact of over two years of severe Covid-19 restrictions imposed on us by Govt decree (which had an enormous negative impact on the business), but also a longstanding dispute (with the landlord) (some 14 months and counting); Maximilian’s has been forced to close for the time being as of 7th of May 2023,” the email read.
“We are not in a position to accept any bookings or enquiries at this point in time.”

It is hoped the court judgment will arrive at the end of June.