Staff claim restaurateur David Singer’s three Noosa venues have abruptly closed their doors

The shock closure of a restaurateur’s three high-end Noosa venues has left staff “furious” after they were emailed the news on Wednesday morning, saying they were given “no notice”.

Frenchies Brasserie Noosa has abruptly closed its doors, according to staff.

The shock closure of a Sydney restaurateur’s three high-end Noosa venues has left staff “furious” after they were emailed the news this morning.

Sydney-based restaurateur David Singer operated the trio of hospitality venues Frenchies Brasserie Noosa, JD’s Chicken Co Noosaville and Apero Wine Bar.

A staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, said employees of the venues were emailed on Wednesday morning, informing them the restaurants and bar had closed.

“Everyone’s dumbfounded. There’s been no notice given, just an email early this morning,” they said.

“Between me and two other staff we’re owed $10,000 so who knows how much is owed.”

They said suppliers and local businesses had been at the venues repossessing stock.

The websites for the venues had all been removed by midday Wednesday.

Frenchies Brasserie Noosa director, David Singer. Source: Supplied

The closures come after Mr Singer, as the director, placed the company, Frenchies Brasserie Noosa Pty Ltd, into voluntary administration earlier this year, appointing administrator Nicarson Natkunarajah.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents published on April 19 revealed the company owed approximately $1.1m in debt.

There were three main creditors listed in the ASIC report, including two companies related to Frenchies Brasserie Noosa Pty Ltd.

ASIC documents also revealed Mr Singer had placed another company, Brasserie Wine Australia Pty Ltd, into liquidation with Mr Natkunarajah in May 2023.

The liquidator’s report to creditors, which was filed with the corporate regulator ASIC in August last year, regarding Brasserie Wine Australia, indicated a debt in excess of $300,00 owed to more than 30 creditors.

Mr Natkunarajah listed poor strategic management, lack of records and inadequate cash flow as other factors that contributed to failure of the wholesale wine business.

Mr Singer has been contacted by this publication for comment.