Artichoke Restaurant, Main Beach asks for community donations after proving a free Christmas lunch, copping Covid fine

The popular Gold Coast restaurant which openly defied vaccine mandates are now reaching out to the community for donations to keep their head above water.

The popular Sanctuary Cove restaurant which has openly defied vaccine mandates are reaching out for community donations to keep them above water.

Artichoke Restaurant was ordered to close under the Public Health Act and fined $6892 for not complying with public health direction.

Artichoke, Sanctuary Cove has a GoFundMe set up to fight legal costs and staffing while it has no income due to Covid mandates.

The restaurant held an impromptu Christmas lunch which was open to the public with free meals and drinks.

Staff member Allessandia Murray said they had taken a financial hit after the lunch.

“We weren’t super busy but it did mean we didn’t have to cancel any of our pre-booked tables, and it didn’t ruin their Christmas," she said.

“At this stage we are unsure what will happen for New Year’s Eve as we did take a loss being open Christmas day for free.”

Artichoke’s owner Grant Madgwick said the business was struggling but they were adamant to continue trading.

“My doors will always be open no matter what,” he said.

“We have had support and people reaching out to help pay for our fine.”

Mr Madgwick he had to employ both his children to work in the kitchen as a result of losing staff.

Artichoke owner and executive chef Grant Madgwick has been forced to employ his children. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“It’s crumbling around me. It’s heartbreaking” he said.

“Bills are piling up.

“When the money runs out, zero means zero.”

Ms Murray set up a GoFundMe with the goal of $10,000 in hope to help the restaurant fight legal fees and cover the cost of necessities.

Currently $1700 has been donated.

“We have staff with families with young children and with no notice lost their incomes moments before Christmas,’ she said.

“During this time these kids, these parents and the staff who lost their source of income to pay rent, bills, fuel, buy presents, groceries etc.

“My heart breaks for the children this has affected and the families torn apart by this insanity.

“If you would like to show your support for Artichoke restaurant, for the staff, the families, the children, to get us all back into our jobs, to get Artichoke back on it’s feet we would love and appreciate the support,” Ms Murray added to the GoFundMe.

Almost $500 was raised within the first day of the fundraiser.

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