Crofter Dining to close it’s doors following collapse of George Calombaris’ restaurant empire
After closing its doors last week due to the collapse of George Calombaris’ restaurant empire, chef Matt Wilkinson has made the agonising announcement that he couldn’t save his Crofter Dining venue.
Entertainment
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Chef Matt Wilkinson has announced he won’t be reopening his Crofter Dining venue in Brunswick.
Crofter relaunched on January 11 but closed its door as part of the now collapsed MAdE Establishment group owned by George Calombaris.
Wilkinson had expressed interest in keeping the venue open but this morning revealed he couldn’t make it work.
“It’s time to say thank you and goodbye,’’ he wrote in a post on Instagram.
“What a whirlwind it has been. Thank you to my staff, to the farmers, producers & suppliers, thank you to the many reviewers and especially thank you to the customers who in such a short time made it an amazing place.
“I am angry and sad about this whole scenario. Angry that after 40 days of work of not seeing my wolf pack I can’t make it work.”
Wilkinson said he was also angry about the lack of government support.
He will still work at The Pie Shop and Four Pillars Gin.
While it appears the door has been shut on Crofter there may still be hope for the restaurant with adminstrators still working on securing a buyer.
The clock is ticking as the search continues for possible buyers for its leases, fittings and furniture.
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A massive attempt to revive MAdE had been undertaken with a major rebranding that saw Hellenic Hotel Williamstown become Hotel Argentina, Hellenic Republic Brunswick became Crofter Dining Room and The Press Club became Elektra.
Twelve restaurants shut and 400 jobs were hanging in the balance after the empire was placed into voluntary administration last week.