PappaRich Garden City temporarily closes after going into liquidation

The doors of a popular Asian restaurant chain location has been closed, with a dispute over the handling of the business making things uglier.

PappaRich Australia is aiming to reopen its Westfield Mt Gravatt location after it went into liquidation and was temporarily closed.

The future of one of the Brisbane locations for a popular Asian restaurant chain is in doubt after it “temporarily closed” amid a dispute between the ex-franchisee and head office over the running of the business.

PappaRich Malaysian Delights at Westfield Mt Gravatt, formerly Garden City, announced it was closed on June 26 and then was listed as going into liquidation the next day.

PappaRich Australia’s website has listed the restaurant, which is one of four Brisbane franchises, as ‘temporarily closed’ but a company spokeswoman said they hoped to reopen soon, dismissing some concerns from customers that the site had shut permanently.

However, PappaRich Australia’s spokeswoman said head office was not happy with how the franchise had been run.

“We understand the disappointment this may cause to our valued customers, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused,” she said.

PappaRich Malaysian Cuisine at Garden City has now temporarily closed. Picture: Facebook

“However, we want to assure you that we are actively engaged in discussions with the franchisee, the landlord, and all relevant parties to address the situation and find a resolution. “Our primary goal is to resume operations as soon as possible and continue providing our locals in Garden City with the delicious and authentic Malaysian cuisine they have come to love.

“We deeply value the support and loyalty of our customers, and we are committed to upholding the high standards that have made PappaRich a trusted name in the food industry. “We will spare no effort in working towards a swift resolution and reopening the Garden City store.”

The ex-franchisee took over the business last year after it had been running at the location since 2017.

He said there were things he was not made aware of before taking over the restaurant and the core structure of the chain was “not viable”.

“The prices are too low and the costs are too high,” he said.

He said shutting the doors on the restaurant was “hugely disappointing” for him.

“I put all my savings into it and was ready to put the rest of my life into it and now it’s gone into liquidation.”

“I don’t know what I am going to do now.”

PappaRich has 34 restaurants across Australia, including three other locations across Brisbane, including Coorparoo Square, Indooroopilly and the CBD.