Monday is D-Day for the sale of celebrity chef George Calombaris’ empire
Up to 15 parties have expressed interest in celebrity chef George Calombaris’ hospitality empire, which went into voluntary administration. Now the deadline to sell has been reached.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Monday is D-Day for the sale of George Calombaris’ venues, with buyer interest suggesting some may survive.
Administrators are believed to be fielding inquiries into the restaurant leases, but time is of the essence as rent will begin to accrue this next week.
Talks were continuing on Sunday with possible buyers for the leases, fittings and furniture of the 12 venues.
Sunday morning it emerged that chef Matt Wilkinson would not reopen Crofter Dining Room, in Brunswick.
The newly launched Crofter opened on January 11 but had to close as part of the collapsed MAdE Establishment group.
Wilkinson had expressed interest in keeping the venue open but said on social media he could not make it work.
“It’s time to say thank you and goodbye,’’ he posted on Instagram.
“What a whirlwind it has been. Thank you to my staff, to the farmers, producers and 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.”
RELATED
CALOMBARIS LISTS TOORAK MANSION AMID CRISIS TALKS
THE CURSE OF THE CELEBRITY CHEF RESTAURANT
CHIN CHIN OWNER JUMPS TO CALOMBARIS’ DEFENCE
The door could still be ajar, however, with buyer interest in Gazi and Jimmy Grants venues. Administrators Craig Shepard and Leanne Chesser, of KordaMentha, said up to 15 parties were interested.
It is understood the Commonwealth Bank is owed between $5 million-$10 million.
Calombaris has put his Toorak mansion on the market.