Staff and suppliers in shock after doors close on two Brisbane restaurants

A RESTAURATEUR has left staff and suppliers in shock and feeling “betrayed” after unexpectedly closing the doors on his two Brisbane venues.

RESTAURATEUR TJ Peabody has left staff and suppliers in shock and feeling “betrayed” after unexpectedly closing the doors on his two Brisbane venues, Nativo Kitchen and Bar and Burnt Ends.

The restaurants in The Barracks in Petrie Terrace were due to reopen at the end of the month after a three-week break, but holidaying staff were sent an email with the surprising news that they would not have jobs to return to.

“It’s just completely awful. You don’t think it can happen when they’ve got two businesses side by side, surely there’s got to be some stability there,” said Nativo waitress Madison Rath.

She said staff that had been working at the restaurant since its first day had felt “completely betrayed”.

TJ Peabody at the Nantucket Kitchen & Bar at Indooroopilly, which closed in May.

NKG Group issued a statement today, blaming the closures on financial issues.

“Our goal for both restaurants and the catering business was always to over-deliver on customer expectations,” Mr Peabody said.

“While we firmly believe we achieved that, the challenge we had was matching our goal with the costs involved. It simply became financially unfeasible.

“We have many bright stars and enthusiastic, loyal employees on our books and it’s our number one priority to get those people their payments and redundancies to support them on the next stage of their career journeys,” he said.

Nativo Kitchen and Bar will not reopen as expected. File picture

The closure also includes Nantucket Catering, with all three enterprises ceasing trade.

A corporate recovery firm was called in to handle the closures, but Mr Peabody confirms the businesses are not bankrupt, stating all members of staff have been informed and will receive the payments and redundancies owed to them, as will suppliers. Outstanding gift vouchers will also be refunded to customers in cash.

The closure marks a dramatic year for Mr Peabody, also closing his high end Fortitude Valley restaurant Nickel Kitchen and Bar late last year and his first endeavour into the restaurant industry Nantucket Kitchen and Bar at Indooroopilly in May.

He still has NKB Express at Indooroopilly, which is currently for sale.