Coronavirus lockdown: Celebrity chef Matt Moran mourns restaurant shutdowns

As Australia prepares to go into stage one lockdown in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus, celebrity chef Matt Moran says a heartfelt goodbye to staff and loyal patrons.

As Australia goes into stage one lockdown, following an announcement from Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday, all pubs, clubs, sporting and religious venues will be shutting their doors.

While restaurants and cafes will be allowed to offer takeaway services, this won’t be an option taken by celebrity chef and hospitality veteran of 30 years, Matt Moran.

Moran, along with business partner Bruce Solomon, heads up several restaurants including Aria Sydney, Aria Brisbane, Chiswick, Opera Bar, Riverbar & Kitchen, North Bondi Fish and Chiswick at The Gallery.

In a statement, the duo said closing the doors to its venues marked “an incredibly sad day for the hospitality industry, for our venues and the people we have worked with for so many years”.

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“It is with heavy hearts that we have had to shut down all of our venues, from our first restaurant together Aria, to the iconic Opera Bar, our much loved Chiswick, Riverbar and Kitchen, Chiswick at the Gallery, North Bondi Fish, Barangaroo House, Chophouse and Little Big House,” they wrote.

“We have poured our heart and soul into each and every venue and have loved all the places we have created.”

Chef Matt Moran (pictured right) and business partner Bruce Solomon (pictured left) have said a sad farewell to their restaurants as they go into lockdown. Picture: Supplied

The touching missive made a point of thanking all employees “from the chefs and waiters to bar staff, cleaners and support staff” who the pair have worked with for “so many years”.

“Every single one of our staff members has played a part in the making of our places, which are some of ‘Sydney and Brisbane’s much-loved restaurants and bars.

Thank you for being a part of our story, you make our venues the places people love.

Restaurant diners were also acknowledged for their patronage, with Moran noting their support extended back 20 years to their opening of the pair’s first venture.

“We believe that a fabulous venue becomes part of your everyday fabric and life. Thank you for choosing to come, experience and drink and dine with us,” they wrote.

The message closed with a reminder that the pair planned to return “stronger than ever and ready to welcome you”.

“In the meantime, take care and stay strong.”

Matt Moran also shared the message alongside a photo showing a view of the Sydney Opera House, with his 146,000 followers on Instagram today.

Chef Matt Moran also posted the message to fans on Facebook along with this photo of the Sydney Opera House. Picture: Instagram/Matt Moran

Within hours, the post had gathered more than 1800 likes as well as hundreds of comments, with many saying they were optimistic the situation would improve.

One person wrote: “Things will get better … we thought it would never rain again, hand-feeding stock for years … but everything will get better. Australians are strong … we are the lucky country stay positive.”

Another said: “So tragic for you, your staff and the people (me included) that enjoyed your food and hospitality! You’ll be back!”

While a third said: “So sad. You are a legend. We will be back in droves as soon as we can. Wishing you and your team all the best.”

Other celebrity chefs around Australia have also revealed the creative ways they have come up with to weather the storm.

Celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge will give away free meals to families doing it tough in Sydney as coronavirus bites into local jobs and businesses.

The My Kitchen Rules judge, whose Sydney restaurants include the top-rated By Fassnidge at the Banksia Hotel in the city’s south, and 4 Fourteen in Surry Hills, announced the offer on Instagram, saying he wanted to look after his community during these “hard times”.

“Everybody is doing takeaway. We’re doing takeaway from our two places, but what we realised was a lot of people who have been coming in soon won’t be able to afford takeaway or meals and have families that are doing it tough,” he said.

“Our locals are looking after us, so what we’d like to do is if you can’t feed your family and you live in the local area of Banksia, DM me on here and we’ll sort you out with food.”

Fassnidge said he would have “certain meals put by” which people could then reheat.

“We just want to look after our local community because you look after us. There won’t be a big deal made about it, but we’ll look after each other in the future,” he said.

Originally published as Coronavirus lockdown: Celebrity chef Matt Moran mourns restaurant shutdowns