‘What a shock’: Sydney chefs react to Kylie Kwong’s retirement

The Sydney hospitality icon has announced her retirement and revealed her new career path

Kylie Kwong at her Sydney eatery Lucky Kwong.

Celebrity chef Kylie Kwong has shocked the hospitality industry, announcing her retirement after 30 years.

Kwong, 55, will close the doors of her Australia-Cantonese restaurant Lucky Kwong in South Eveleigh in Sydney.

Previous to this, Kwong had Billy Kwong which she originally opened in Surry Hills with the late Bill Granger before closing the Potts Point location in 2019.

“At the end of June I am hanging up my restaurateur hat,” Kwong wrote of the venue she opened in 2021.

Kylie Kwong has announced her retirement from the restaurant game. Picture: Penny Lane

“These last 24 years have really tested the mettle of one’s character, drawing out strengths I never knew existed, and have instilled deep values which continue to guide my path. I hold immense gratitude for all of you who have supported my staff and I along the way, and for all of your energy and encouragement.”

Kwong became a household name in Australia after doing an apprenticeship with famous Aussie chef Neil Perry in the 1990s and working her way up the food chain.

She’s also hosted her own television programs and last year was appointed a member of the Order of Australia.

Kwong will close Lucky Kwong at the end of June.

“For all the many challenges that come with being in the hospitality industry, I consider myself fortunate for I have had far more positive experiences than negative,” she said.

“Everyone is feeling it. I have never seen the restaurant industry in such tough times as it is right now.”

Industry veteran Luke Mangan, who owns Luke’s Kitchen at the Kimpton Hotel and Luc San in Potts Point, said Kwong had been an inspiration.

“My first job in Sydney was with Kylie. We worked together on the same level and she was fantastic and fun to work with,” he said.

“She’s been an incredible inspiration to our industry over 30 years.”

Luke Mangan called Kwong an ‘inspiration’. Picture: Tim Hunter.

‘She’s a special human being,’ says Matt Moran. Picture: Jen Horgan

“It is tough times in our industry but we will all bounce back. Our industry has so much to offer and so much opportunity for younger people to come through.”

Matt Moran, of Aria and Chiswick fame, said Kwong was one of the “most resilient restaurateurs and chefs” he had ever known.

“She’s a special human being and someone I’ve called a friend for 30 years,” he said.

“What a shock.

“But what she chooses to do next she will do the same meaning. She’ll always been known as a beacon of the hospitality industry and will succeed in whatever she does.”

My Kitchen Rules host Colin Fassnidge said Billy Kwong was one of the first restaurants he visited when her moved to Sydney from Ireland in 1990.

“The food was groundbreaking,” he said.

“Kylie was cooking and serving. And if felt like you were in someone’s home.”

Kwong has said she would continue her passion for food, art, culture and connection in the next phase of her career.

“I wish to place all my energy, focus and time into helping share and amplify other people’s stories, particularly the important voices of First Nations people and our multicultural communities, who make Australia the rich and diverse country that it is today,” she said.

Perry added it wouldn’t be the last this city has seen of Kwong.

“It’s been hard for her at Eveleigh and she’s got options and shes taken them. It won’t be last you here of her. She’s awesome,” he said.

The news of Kwong’s retirement comes a week after her protegee, Hamish Ingham, announced her was closing up his two Sydney restaurants Redbird and Tequila Daisy.

Ingham, who worked underneath Kwong at Billy Kwong, cited “current trading conditions” as “toughest they had seen” as the reason for the closures.

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Originally published as ‘What a shock’: Sydney chefs react to Kylie Kwong’s retirement