Gopal’s Pure Vegetarian Maroochydore’s parent company in liquidation

Liquidators have been appointed to the parent company behind a much-loved vegetarian restaurant in Maroochydore following its shock closure as economic pressures bite.

Gopal’s Pure Vegetarian in Maroochydore. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The parent company of a popular vegetarian restaurant in Maroochydore is in liquidation following the local business’s shock closure, as the directors lament inflationary and economic pressure since the pandemic.

Located on Ocean St, Maroochydore, Gopal’s Pure Vegetarian developed a cult-like following among veggie-lovers since the restaurant first opened in 2011.

Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents show liquidators were appointed to GG Eats Group Pty Ltd – which had traded as Gopal’s Pure Vegetarian Maroochydore and Muse Taqueria House – on May 30, 2023.

On April 17 an announcement on the Gopal’s Facebook page stated the restaurant would be permanently closing on April 21, reminiscing on the opening day and describing the tough decision to close.

“The doors have been open for 12 years now and we can still remember the very first day, we spent the whole day in the kitchen prepping food to be ready for dinner service,” they said

“We couldn’t believe we had a line out the door, our old school register was malfunctioning and we were running around like headless chooks.

“However, we managed to sell out and had the best time with all our new customers.

“This decision has not been easy to make but we know it’s the right decision to make right now.”

Inflationary and economic pressures have been cited as the reason behind Gopal’s closure. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The social media post was met with an outpouring of support from regular Gopal’s diners.

One Facebook user Cara Madden said “you and your food will be greatly missed”.

Another user Peta Mullett said “and we got to have the pleasure of you catering our wedding” and Jacki Filipinni commented Gopal’s was “the best vegetarian on the Coast”.

Liquidator at Revive Financial Jarvis Archer said there appeared to be debts of about $163,000 to lenders and the Australian Taxation Office.

“The company owes debts to the ATO and a number of lenders which total approximately $163,000,” Mr Archer said.

Mr Archer said the director did not renew the lease for the restaurant following ongoing economic issues plaguing many local businesses.

“The director advised that the company had experienced declining sales and increased expenses,” Mr Archer said.

“This has been the case for many businesses impacted by the pandemic and ongoing economic and inflationary pressures.

“As the company neared the end of its lease, the director made the difficult decision to not renew the lease and cease trading.”