Newtown Mexican restaurant Comedor suddenly shuts doors weeks after Inner West Council approved controversial plan

A new inner west restaurant has suddenly closed its doors, just weeks after winning a controversial bid to serve takeaway food and drinks in a public park despite widespread opposition.

Former head chef Alejandro Huerto (centre) and owner Walter Shellshear (right) with Kieran Took (left) at Comedor when it opened earlier this year. Picture: Tom Parrish

A new inner west restaurant has suddenly closed its doors, just weeks after winning a controversial bid to serve takeaway food and drinks in a public park, amid claims the venue “wasn’t a great place to work”.

Mexican restaurant Comedor has shut just five months into trading, with the business “closed until further notice” following the resignations of key staff.

Diners hoping to experience the popular Newtown venue were instead greeted by an Instagram post from the restaurant, which said: “We sincerely apologise to those with bookings, and look forward to welcoming you again soon.”

The temporary closure has prompted widespread speculation online.

While this masthead’s calls to the restaurant have gone unanswered, head chef Alejandro Huerta told the Sydney Morning Herald he had followed his kitchen crew out the door.

Mexican restaurant Comedor has temporarily closed its doors after just five months of trading.

“I was happy with what we achieved, but it wasn’t a great place to work,” he told the newspaper.

“It was a heartbreaking experience, not an easy decision to make.”

The closure has prompted widespread speculation online.

While Mr Huerta claimed all but one member of the kitchen team had resigned, owner Walter Shellshear said only two chefs had left.

Mr Shellshear expressed pride in the restaurant’s achievements but acknowledged the need to reassess its direction.

“Right now, we are taking time to reassess next steps and plan out 2025,” he told the Herald.

“The new year will see an exciting new team and everything will be revealed in due time, once locked in.”

The Comedor restaurant’s Instagram post.

The restaurant was in the spotlight only a few weeks ago after the Inner West Council approved a plan that permitted the venue to serve takeaway cafe-style food and drinks from a rear window which backed onto Camperdown Memorial Rest Park.

Despite huge backlash from locals, the restaurant still received critical acclaim and was known to be booked out weeks in advance.