Artichoke, Brooklyn Dept, Black Angus Bar and Grill, Hard Rock Cafe, The Backyard Cafe are some of the restaurants that closed in 2022

From Italian institution Lupo to Burleigh dining den Iku, some of the Gold Coast’s favourite restaurants served their final meal in 2022. See which restaurants closed this year

When one door opens, another one closes.

From Italian institution Lupo to Burleigh dining den Iku, some of the Gold Coast’s favourite restaurants served their final meal in 2022.

Some closures were shrouded in mystery, while others – including defiant Artichoke owner Grant Madgwick – courted controversy with mike-dropping exits.

Harry’s Steakhouse

Address: 1744 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Closed: February

After six years, Harry’s served up its final steak in February (but it’s the bottomless fries we mourn the most). The restaurant originally founded by Justin Lane pioneer Adam Haralampou was bought by the Rabble Group, who recently unveiled Local Burleigh in its place. “We saw the opportunity and took it,” owner and manager Steve Heincke told the Gold Coast Bulletin at the time. “Burleigh is such a booming area, there’s so much happening here. It’s sad for the locals that have been coming here for years as it’s been a bit of an institution in the area, but for us it’s exciting. All the Harry’s locals who have visited from near and far will love it.” We still miss the fries, Steve.

Bottomless fries were more star than supporting act at Harry's Steakhouse Burleigh.

Lupo

2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Closed: March

The Pearce family – parents Brad and Thea and son Harry – said goodbye to their well-loved restaurant after five years. In a fond social media sign-off, the Pearces said everyone had at least one Lupo story: “From the absolute madness of the opening weeks, the gut-wrenching quiet times, to the years of being full every night of happy, noisy, tipsy, well-fed diners … the late-night sessions, the paperback menus, dancing on the bar … endless Campari.”

Harry Pearce dished up wholesome Italian favourites at Lupo. Picture: Richard Gosling

Lark Cafe

Stafford Ave and Main Beach Parade, Main Beach

Closed: March

The Main Beach eatery made way for an 18-storey high-rise tower after eight years of trading. The cafe announced its closure through a statement, saying the decision came with “great sadness and a heavy heart”. “We would like to thank everyone for their support, because without you all we would not have lasted this long. We will miss you all,” it said.

Popular Main Beach cafe Lark served its last coffee, paving the way for progress in the beachside suburb. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Artichoke

44c The Prom, Hope Island

Closed: April

Artichoke was among the Gold Coast’s Covid-19 restaurant casualties. After a rocky 2021 Christmas, owner Grant Madgwick defied Queensland’s strict vaccine mandates and remained open. In December he was issued an almost $7000 fine for failing to comply with health directions and was ordered to close under the Public Health Act. In April a team member known to Mr Madgwick said he didn’t think he planned to open again.

The pandemic proved the undoing for Artichoke, a ritzy restaurant helmed by Grant Madgwick. Picture Glenn Hampson

Hard Rock Cafe

Cnr Cavill Ave and Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Closed: May

The closure of the Hard Rock Cafe was arguably one of the most shocking in 2022. The iconic venue closed its doors after more than 25 years in business after a rental dispute between the restaurants’s international arm and management of the Paradise Centre shopping complex. The only people more upset about the closure than locals were its staff. “We don’t know what is happening right now, it’s scary,” one long-time staff member said when they found out. In November, The Hard Rock Cafe told one of the Bulletin reporters they were only weeks off of signing a new lease for a Gold Coast location. There’s been no update since.

The Glitter Strip’s heart won’t be quite the same without Hard Rock Cafe’s Guitar.

Black Angus Bar and Grill

2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

Closed: May

Black Angus Bar and Grill went into liquidation months after shutting its doors in Surfers Paradise. The venue — a meat-lover’s Mecca at Sanctuary Cove before taking over the space formerly home to Hooters — closed after less than two years at its new home.

Black Angus didn’t last long in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Brooklyn Depot

10 Beach Rd, The 4217, Surfers Paradise

Closed: July

One of the Gold Coast’s gourmet burger pioneers shut after seven years in business. Brooklyn Depot was known for its American-style burgers and milkshakes, drawing long lines when it originally opened in Surfers Paradise. Fans of the yummy eatery can still find its buffalo mac n cheese, triple cheese burger and barbecue pork ribs at its Southbank, Fortitude Valley and Stones Corner venues.

Brooklyn Depot’s burgers were a hit when they debuted in Surfers Paradise.

The Backyard Cafe

17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach

Closed: July

The popular cafe announced its closure on Instagram: “It is with a heavy heart we inform today was the last day of The Backyard Cafe”. The neighbourhood hangout was opened by Scott Imlach in August 2020. Their statement to social media said they had expected to have more time at the venue but it was cut short. “We are so thankful for the many great memories with family, friends and locals.”

Gone before its time: we’re still not quite sure what happened at The Backyard Cafe. Picture: Jerad Williams

Montezuma’s Mexican Restaurant and Bar

87 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Closed: July

The Coolangatta community was shocked to hear of the sudden closure of one of the city’s longest-running restaurants. The southern staple was famous for its nachos and huge fajitas. Operators posted a statement to social media and said they were “temporarily closed until further notice … thanks for your understanding”. Patrons of the venue were hopeful the closure was temporary, but there has been no word of a reopening date.

Will Montezuma's nachos make a comeback in Coolangatta?

Iku Yakitori Bar

1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads 5568 7300

Closed: August

It was a sad day when we could no longer order Iku’s signature sando – crunchy pork katsu cushioned in fluffy white bread. Some of Burleigh’s best bites were hidden behind this curtained streetfront, from saucy bits on sticks to a sophisticated omakase menu. There are probably still lost drinkers looking for its secret whisky bar. Fortunately owner-chef mastermind Mitch Chesterton can now be found up the road at Southport newcomer Mozza Mozza.

Iku’s Mitch Chesterton made a real good sando. Picture: Adam Head

Little Truffle

2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Closed: November to mid-2023

Little Truffle announced its temporary closure through a billboard plastered on top of its Mermaid Beach venue. “Renovating during the light rail works. We’ll be back better than ever”. Hospitality mogul Daniel Ridgway said he was a strong supporter of the light rail and they knew they would have to “get the brunt of it”. “We just cannot trade through it – it’s simply not worth it”. “We don’t want people to be having intimate dinners or marriage proposals happening while jackhammers are going off in the background.” Mr Ridgway said they would reopen a freshly renovated Truffle 2.0 once the bulk of construction in their area was finished.

Gone, but not for too long – Little Truffle does it their way on the highway. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Originally published as Artichoke, Brooklyn Dept, Black Angus Bar and Grill, Hard Rock Cafe, The Backyard Cafe are some of the restaurants that closed in 2022