$90k, but not one taker: Top riverfront cafe closes due to lack of chefs

One of Brisbane’s most beloved cafe/restaurants has closed due to a post-Covid staffing crisis so bad it can’t fill 15 positions, including a head chef paid up to $90,000 which failed to attract a single applicant.

Popular riverfront cafe, bar and restaurant Medley has closed due to a post-Covid staffing crisis so bad it can’t fill 15 positions, from head chef to casual wait staff.

Owner/manager Nick Pavlakis did not receive a single applicant for the head chef role despite offering $85,000 to $90,000 a year, plus superannuation.

Mr Pavlakis said he hoped to reopen the acclaimed Kangaroo Point venue “soon’’, but was also advertising for a sous chef ($75,000 plus super), chef de partie ($60,000 to $65,000 plus super), restaurant and events manager ($75,000 plus super), assistant manager ($67,000 to $72,000 plus super) and head barista ($63,000 plus super).

He also needs a bar manager, casual wait staff, casual cooks and kitchen assistants.

Stavros Georges, Patrick Panier and Nick Pavlakis (far right) at Medley Cafe when it opened in Kangaroo Point. Picture: Annette Dew

“It has been very challenging post-Covid and seems to have culminated into this critical situation since late last year,’’ he said.

“We have up to 15 positions available to get back to normal operations.

“The lack of skilled labour is certainly the most challenging (problem).

“I’m confident things will improve, however the time it is taking is painfully slow.’’

The restaurant desperately needs staff.

Mr Pavlakis, his wife Serena and business partners opened the waterfront landmark in 2015.

Since then the former Dockside apartments sales office, which boasts glorious views of the river, a top fit-out and lavish landscaping, has thrived due to its ambience, good service and appealing menu.

Medley was named by The Courier-Mail food writer Anooska Tucker-Evans in February as one of the best eateries in Brisbane.

It has received more than 1000 Google reviews and 250 Facebook reviews, most overwhelmingly positive, with TripAdvisor ranking it the 123rd best of 3339 Brisbane restaurants surveyed.

Medley cafe and restaurant was popular for weddings and had long queues of diners waiting for a table on weekends until the staffing crisis hit.

Mr Pavlakis said part of the problem was the drop in overseas student numbers since Covid, with nearby Shafston International College students making up a sizeable portion of wait staff.

A drop in migration from countries had also hit availability of kitchen hands.

“Due to an ongoing staffing crisis we are unable to operate for the foreseeable future as we are currently without a chef,’’ the cafe posted on its Facebook page.

“We are working hard behind the scenes to recruit, however the current labour market is the worst it has been in our seven years of operation.

“For several years, we have been actively seeking recruitments.

“Unfortunately, the skilled labour shortage is ongoing and we are unable to fill several key positions.

“Consequently, we will be closed for a short period until we are in a better position (and) better staffed.

“We hope to resume normal operations as soon as possible.’’

The news produced a huge outpouring of sympathy from customers on social media.

Kerryn posted: “We had the honour of having the first wedding hosted at Medley and we’ve been there many times since. So sorry to hear you’re in this position.’’

Kaz posted: “Breakfast won’t be the same without you all. Fingers crossed you’ll be up and running again soon.’’