‘This industry is a f***er’: Iconic restaurant shuts down, sparks ugly war of words
The head of a high-profile Melbourne restaurant has erupted online after the “shock” news of its immediate closure.
The business manager of acclaimed Melbourne restaurant Hero ACMI has spoken out about its abrupt closure in a pointed video message.
Michael Gebran, who ran the eatery established in November 2020 with celebrity chef Karen Martini at the helm, took to Instagram late Monday to lash out at its host venue ACMI, Australia’s museum of screen culture in Melbourne’s Fed Square.
He said he was considering legal action against the museum, claiming ACMI informed the restaurant’s staff about the closure before he or Martini could make the announcement themselves.
Suggesting the collaborative relationship had soured beyond repair since first pairing up with the venue in 2020, he said “everything that we were promised at that time in terms of visitation and numbers hasn’t come to fruition”.
Mr Gebran claimed ACMI made the unilateral decision to shut Hero’s doors “without any notice” and communicated this to the staff before the restaurant’s management had a chance to respond.
Despite ACMI’s portrayal of an amicable departure in a press release, Mr Gebran asserted that parting ways was anything but.
“Right now, we’re in shock. They sent out a press release to the media advising that this was an amicable exit. We aren’t sure how amicable it is because – we’re currently seeking legal advice,” he said.
The manager told staff and others involved in the restaurant: “I’m so sorry this has happened, and I’m sorry you had to find out via ACMI and not us – we love you, and we thank you for everything.”
Martini’s company, HospitalityM, which she operates alongside her husband Michael Sapountsis and Gebran, was initially chosen as the hospitality provider for the hub, responsible for all the food services in the restaurants and event spaces in 2020.
It’s understood Hero’s Operation and Events Management Agreement with ACMI was terminated.
ACMI, in their statement to the media, confirmed the closure of Hero and its associated event management services, operated under the license of Mr Gebran from HospitalityM, in conjunction with Martini.
They praised Hero for its dining standards, seasonally driven culinary approach and “uncomplicated cooking”.
The restaurant gained popularity and acclaim in Melbourne’s dining scene in its almost three years of operation.
Followers by the hundreds were sad to see it go, with some pointing the finger at ACMI in their online condolences.
“I’m so shocked and sorry to hear this! Thinking of you,” Better Homes and Gardens presenter Melissa King wrote.
Another added, “this is heartbreaking. Goodness knows why ACMI has done this, but here’s hoping Hero can live on.”
“Truly great loss and all compassion to you Karen Martini and Michael – this industry is a f***er … hearts out to you all,” wrote another.
Karen Martini has been a prominent figure in Melbourne’s hospitality scene for two decades, with Hero being her first CBD venue.
She gained widespread recognition as a TV chef on Channel 7’s Better Homes and Gardens.
In 2022, Hero ACMI made Nigella Lawson’s 13 favourite eateries in Australia.
“Karen Martini’s cooking is just pitch-perfect,” she said of the experience.
AMCI declined to comment further.