‘Non-pretentious’ Mackay fine dining restaurant The Church on Palmer closing by end of year
After 23 years of business, a renowned family run restaurant and wedding venue in Mackay will close its doors. Are you ready to say goodbye?
Mackay
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It’s the end of an era as a wedding venue and fine dining restaurant will close its doors by the end of the year, ending a 23 year tenure.
The Church on Palmer, an iconic North Mackay restaurant known for its set menu and events, will be closing by the end of 2024 with owners Stephen and Diane Grech saying it was time to take a break and move on.
Diane said it had been a very emotional time for the family.
“It’s not been an easy decision,” Ms Grech said.
“But it’s one that we decided was the right thing to do.”
After taking over the location in 2001 from a previous restaurateur, Mr and Mrs Grech have hosted hundreds of events, including weddings, fancy dinners and celebrations.
“They were all special,” she said.
“All the people we have met, all the staff, became like family.”
Mrs Grech said there were a number of factors contributing to their decision to close The Church on Palmer, including recent struggles with staffing.
“We’ve got a fantastic team at the moment,” Mrs Grech said.
“But this time last year it was a struggle, we called on all our kids to help us.
“It was a difficult time and you just get tired.”
The Church on Palmer is expected to close in December, with the Grech family still discussing an exact date, until then it’s “business as usual”.
After that, Di and Stephen are looking forward to a month long holiday before starting their job hunt.
“I would love a job in hospitality where I can just go and be a worker,” Mrs Grech said.
“I really don’t want to be a boss anymore.”
Stephen, on the other hand, doesn’t care what’s next as long as it’s not cooking.
The Grech’s thank all their customers and team members of their support.
“Thank you for the love and the well wishes … just thanks,” she said.
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