Page 13: Why Richmond’s Cafe Brass shut its doors

MELBOURNE’S who’s who flocked to Cafe Brass for its glitzy opening in March. But four months on, the doors are closed. Word was the business had tanked. Not so.

MELBOURNE’S who’s who flocked to Cafe Brass for its glitzy opening in March. But four months on, the doors are closed.

French champagne had flowed freely, oysters were shucked and supped.

Garry Lyon and Nicky Brownless stepped out publicly for the first time as cameras clicked furiously. The former Melbourne football star said, “I’m just happy to be here.”

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Nick Giannopolous was the life of the party, ex-Domain boss Antony Catalano purred the night away, Melbourne footballer Max Gawn made nice with Neighbours actor Alan Fletcher and his wife, former Ten news reader Jen Hansen. It was a ritzy-ditzy affair.

Alex Waislitz. Picture: Aaron Francis

Antony Catalano. Picture: Instagram

The Richmond restaurant’s fit-out was equal to high-roller heaven at Crown casino. Think flashy, swish, pricey and smooth as a winning streak, just like its guests.

Rich-lister backers Alex Waislitz and Catalano were splashing the cash — plenty of zeros — behind the scenes.

Sam Frantzeskos, former owner of one-time Greville St institution, Fog, was front of house. Frantzeskos’ little black book is second to none in Melbourne. Think actors, fat cats, models and more than a few cashed-up bogans.

Cafe Brass was as bold as brass. But the shine went off and the word was the business had tanked.

Nicky Brownless and Garry Lyon at the launch of Cafe Brass. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Not so. It’s all about glamming up and looking better. The 150-year-old building is a former brass factory and is “remodelling”.

An email was sent out last week to investors such as Waislitz saying it was time to restructure. Problem is, like the rest of Melbourne’s movers, shakers and CUBs, most of the investors are sailing around Europe comparing yacht sizes.

Cafe Brass owner Sam Frantzeskos.

But we got word from the Cat, cruising from Portofino to Mykonos, that all is smooth sailing back at Brass. Last month, Brass was delivering a Sunday brunch service called “Trolleyed”.

Unlimited mimosas and espresso martinis went with the food.

Frantzeskos says there’s “no story” in the story about the restaurant closing. That’s been overcooked.

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