Popular Sydney restaurant Bistrot 916 to close

It’s only been opened for three years but the trio behind the restaurant have revealed the “wrecking ball” headed their way.

A popular Sydney restaurant has revealed it is being forced to close due to an impending “wrecking ball” – with its site set to be demolished.

Opened just three years ago, Bistrot 916 is based in Potts Point and serves up French cuisine.

The trio behind the restaurant revealed on Instagram that it will soon “cease operations to accommodate an impending real estate development”.

“As we prepare to dim the lights and await the approaching wrecking ball, we invite you for a final celebratory soiree,” chef Dan Pepperell, former Rockpool Dining Group chef Mike Clift and sommelier Andy Tyson said.

“We would like to send our deepest gratitude to all of our incredible staff past and present and to our beautiful customers, it has been our pleasure.”

Bistrot 916 was opened just three years ago. Picture: Supplied

The team have also opened the Italian neighbourhood trattoria in Surry Hills called Pellegrino 2000 and a New York style restaurant named Clam Bar in Sydney’s CBD in the past two years.

Devastated diners flooded their Instagram post describing the news as “heartbreaking” and begging the team to relocate the restaurant.

“What? Why must this city rid itself of everything that brings us joy for the sake of overpriced development,” wrote one person.

“Let me guess … ‘luxury apartments’ on the way?” another commented.

“Sad to see her go . thank you for all the incredible times and delicious fare,” one person replied on the post.

News.com.au has reached out to Bistrot 916 for comment.

Mikey Clift, Dan Pepperell and Andy Tyson are the trio behind Bistrot 916. Photo: Supplied

The chef behind Bistrot 916, Mr Pepperell previously showed off his French culinary skills at Restaurant Hubert and also was responsible for Italian fare at Alberto Lounge, 10 William Street and Frankie’s.

Sydney institution Frankie’s was also forced to close back in 2022 as the building was demolished for a metro rail station.

It comes at a time that the hospitality industry has been struggling.

A chilling warning has been issued that one in 13 hospitality businesses across Australia are facing going bust as the industry grapples with the crippling cost of living crisis.

News.com.au has reported on a number of restaurant closures over the past six months.

Diners are devastated by the closure of Bistrot 916. Picture: Supplied

Hospitality business Good Group Australia, which operated a high-end string of steak restaurants and several other Asian venues across three Australian states fell into administration and ceased trading this month owing $23 million.

Its closure resulted in the loss of 200 jobs.

After 18 years in business, Asian fusion restaurant Gingerboy shut down in April blaming “market pressures since Covid lockdowns”.

A number of other restaurants have joined the growing pile of closures, including Elements Bar and Grill and three stores in Sydney restaurant franchise Bondi Pizza, as well as Mexican restaurant Checho’s, in Sydney’s outer western suburb of Penrith, which was shuttered in March.