Catering company goes bust, blames Commonwealth Games contract

A catering company that also operates a Brisbane cafe has gone bust, blaming problems with a Commonwealth Games contract.

Zen Catering says problems with a Commonwealth Games contract has contributed to the business failing. File picture

A CATERING outfit that also operates a cafe at Brisbane’s Botanical Gardens at Mt Coot-tha has gone bust, blaming problems with a Commonwealth Games contract.

Zen Morris, which trades as Zen Catering, had liquidators from SV Partners appointed by its director this week after attempts to sell the business fell apart at the 11th hour.

It had provided catering to some venues and also ran the cafe at the bottom of Mt Coot-tha in the gardens. Staff have been dismissed due to the liquidation.

SV Partners’ Jason Cronan said they were speaking with interested parties about taking over the cafe, although anyone with an eye for the facility could also contact them.

The amount owed to creditors is not yet clear, but those owed money include the Australian Taxation Office, a lender, employees and suppliers.

Pressure seems to have mounted on the company since November, with Supreme Court records indicating that Coca-Cola Amatil and a wholesale food distributor had taken debt recovery action against Zen Morris.

While SV Partners is yet to conduct its own investigations, Mr Cronan said the director had informed them that problems for the company stemmed from “financial losses (incurred) as a result of the Commonwealth Games”.

A source who worked at the company said it had supplied food to the public and athletes.

Zen Morris’s sole director and shareholder is Stephen Morris, 47.

While Zen Catering lists businesses it provides services to as including Brisbane’s Powerhouse, it is understood that other entities in its group may provide such catering.

Originally published as Catering company goes bust, blames Commonwealth Games contract