Jimmy Grants: Ringwood diners saddened by demise of George Calombaris’ restaurant at Eastland’s Town Square
The demise of Greek restaurant chain Jimmy Grants threatens to open up another prime empty space at Eastland’s Town Square, as fans express their sadness over its closure.
Outer East
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Devastated outer east diners are lamenting the demise of Jimmy Grants’ Ringwood restaurant at Eastland.
The restaurant chain, owned by celebrity chef George Calombaris, went into voluntary administration at the start of this week.
It forced 12 restaurants to close immediately with 400 employees out of work.
Mr Calombaris’ Made Establishment group, which included the Jimmy Grants chain, had to backpay $7.8 million in wages and superannuation last year.
Administrator Craig Shepard of KordaMentha is trying to sell the group’s leases and equipment before the end of this week.
Jimmy Grants had a prime position at the front of Eastland’s outdoor Town Square precinct, and previously a smaller second store was in its food court.
Maroondah Leader visited Town Square last night to find the restaurant locked up with chairs on tables and its outdoor seating area deserted.
Diners took to Maroondah Leader’s Facebook page to express their disappointment over the closure.
Narelle Cilia hoped a new buyer could be found soon and Jimmy Grants would re-open, while Helen White wrote: “We only dined there once but the food and waiters were just the best. I really feel for the staff.”
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Others listed suggestions for what they would like to see replace Jimmy Grants if it doesn’t return.
Nick Milburn was keen on Daniel’s Donuts, Katrina Butler wanted ice-cream cafe Messina, and Amelia Gardner called for cult Sydney burger restaurant Mary’s to head east.
The square already has one prime dining space empty, with a replacement yet to be found for the Abacus All Day cafe which closed in September.
Eastland general manager Greg Balmforth said centre management were in discussions with Jimmy Grants’ administrators about the space and would announce more details in the near future.