Gold Coast Burger Shack at Palm Beach unknowingly liquidated over debt to Godden Food Group

A popular Gold Coast burger joint has been ordered into administration over a supplier debt – without the owners even knowing.

A popular Palm Beach burger bar, which gave out hundreds of free meals as Covid-19 struck the Gold Coast, has gone into administration.

Burger Shack at Palm Beach was wound-up by the Supreme Court over an unpaid debt to a supplier – but the liquidator says the “surprising” case should serve as a warning to all Coast businesses.

The company trading as Burger Shack was wound-up after action by Ormeau commercial supplier Godden Food Group.

Burger Shack at Palm Beach. Picture: Jerad Williams

Worrells liquidator Jason Bettles said the case was unusual as the operators were unaware their business was at risk of administration until after it had happened.

The owners had not kept their ASIC-registered contact details up to date, so when the documents were sent by the creditor’s lawyer, in line with legislation, they weren’t received.

Mr Bettles said other small businesses should take the case as a warning to ensure their details were correct in ASIC’s database.

“It’s an irregular one in that the company officers were completely taken aback by the liquidation, they weren’t aware of it because they hadn’t kept their contact details with ASIC up to date,” he said.

“All the documents went to the old address. It came as a complete surprise to them.”

Mr Bettles said the directors were aware of a “disputed” $30,000 debt with the creditor, but did not owe money to staff, other suppliers or the tax office.

“We’re working with the director and they want to keep the business going,” he said.

“At the moment the business has closed for the week while they try to sort it out, hopefully it will be up and running soon.”

Anthony Wright from the Burger Shack in Palm Beach. Picture: Tim Marsden

The Bulletin has contacted Burger Shack owners Anthony and Tracey Wright, and Godden Food Group owner Jeff Godden for comment.

The business was launched by the couple in November 2019, with their wings, pulled pork and beef burgers, fresh fries, jalapeño poppers, loaded shakes and beers earning five-star reviews and praise since.

In 2020, Mr Wright fed hundreds of jobless locals as they joined the Centrelink queue in the beachside southern suburb as pandemic restrictions bit the Gold Coast.

“I thought the only thing I can do is try to give them some sort of distraction from what they are going through,” the father of three told the Bulletin at the time.

“It is the right thing to do. I cannot just stand here and cry.

“It does not take much to be a good human and be nice. I think we have all forgotten in the last few years.”

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