Bluetrain co-owner Xavier DiMattina: ‘We’d been there a long time, it’s a sad way to finish’

Popular family-owned restaurant Bluetrain has shut its doors, coming on the back of multiple businesses leaving the Southgate complex.

Bluetrain, pictured in 2007, has been open in Southgate since 1993.

Much loved family owned restaurant Bluetrain has served its last meal.

The business which has called Southgate home since 1993, shut its doors almost two weeks ago.

One of the owners of Bluetrain, Xavier DiMattina, who has presided over the venue since 2000 said it was a sad time.

“We’d been there a long time, it’s a sad way to finish,” DiMattina said.

Bluetrain has closed. Picture: Instagram/bluetrainmelb

“It was close to our hearts and we’d looked after people for many years.”

Bluetrain’s neighbouring business on the third level of the Southgate complex, Miyako Japanese Cuisine and Teppanyaki, held its final service in July last year after 27-years in the game.

Several businesses have vacated the Southbank complex in recent times, including JB Hi-Fi, but new tenants who moved in include San Churro.

Last year according to VCAT documents, Bluetrain were seeking damages in the vicinity of $2m and alleged the landlord had allowed the complex to “fall into disrepair”.

The owners of Southgate – managed by asset manager ESR Australia on behalf of Suntec and ARA Private Funds – confirmed a $4.5m upgrade to the lobby area in July last year.