Beloved Byron restaurant, deli, Harvest Newrybar shuts after 17 years in business

The owners of a popular Byron restaurant which abruptly closed without warning and after nearly two decades in business have revealed why the venture had become “unsustainable”.

Harvest Newrybar has been a popular restaurant for almost two decades. (File picture)

The owners of a popular Byron restaurant which abruptly closed without warning on Friday after nearly two decades in business have revealed why the venture had become “unsustainable”.

Harvest Newrybar – its farm-to-table philosophy striking a chord with diners and critics and spearheading a rollicking foodie renaissance in the Northern Rivers – shut its doors on Friday leaving diners in the lurch over Christmas-time bookings.

The sudden closure of the award-winning restaurant left locals feeling a mixture of frustration and shock.

The sprawling venue on the Old Pacific Hwy, which houses a fine dining restaurant, deli and canteen, wedding reception area and kitchen garden, was taken over in 2007 by husband and wife duo Tristan and Kassia Grier.

The pair turned the venue from a run-of-the-mill breakfast joint into a fully-fledged hospitality hotspot, essentially putting the sleepy town of Newrybar on the map for day-trippers further south and north from the Gold Coast.

Harvest Newrybar. Picture: Elise Hassey/WISH

It is understood Mr Grier pulled out of the business in July 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile.

On Friday, emails provided to News Local state the venue had closed.

“Dear guest, it is with sincere apologies that we have to inform you that Harvest Newrybar and Harvest Deli have closed,” management wrote.

“Your upcoming reservation has regrettably, been cancelled.

“We thank you for the support over the years, it has meant the world to us.”

On Monday, the phone lines at the venue ran cold and there were no updates on the website.

Dish at Harvest Newrybar, Byron. Photo: Jess Kommen

However, before the end of the day, its owners released a heartfelt statement on social media.

“After many incredible years as the cornerstone of the Newrybar community, it is with profound sadness that we announced the closure of Harvest, effective from last Friday, 13 December 2024,” owners wrote.

“Harvest has always been more than a restaurant and deli—it has been a place for connection, celebration, and shared memories. This legacy was only possible thanks to our dedicated staff, trusted suppliers, and the loyal community that embraced us. Your passion and support have meant the world to us.”

The owners then went on to state the crunch of the cost of living crisis and “compliance pressures”.

“The reality of rising costs—up over 30% in recent years—combined with compliance pressures and an uncertain future for tenure, made continuing operations unsustainable,” they wrote.

“Our commitment to local produce and a people-first approach, while central to our mission, became increasingly difficult to sustain in a world that values sustainability but challenges its feasibility.

“For those who have placed deposits for Christmas food orders, events, or weddings, we want to reassure you that you will receive a full refund, and we have contacted you personally to arrange this.

“While this marks the end of an era for Harvest, the memories, relationships, and stories we’ve shared will endure. Thank you for being part of the Harvest journey.”

Harvest Newrybar has been a hit with diners for 17 years. Picture: Supplied.

Diner Johnny Graham said “clearly not even a bumper upcoming festive season would have saved them”.

“I had a reservation for December 23. They cancelled it today. There is nothing about closing on their website yet.”

In the wake of the closure, scores of locals took to social media to express their shock over the move.

Ginine Weston wrote: “Just received notification that both the restaurant and deli have closed … our reservation cancelled. I guess our money for holding the reservation and Christmas deli order has gone too. I hope not.”

Sixmonthsofsundays added: “So many memories have been had at Harvest. Very sad for all of the beautiful staff and their families. What a devastating day for them all.”

australia—8888— wrote: “The end of an era. Loved my early trips to Harvest all the way from the Gold Coast.”

The restaurant is housed in a 132 year old farmhouse 16kms from Byron Bay. Picture: Supplied.

Peg Kay added: “Very sorry to hear this. A huge loss to the Northern Rivers and Newrybar.”

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