Titan Jimmy Shu to step back from helm of iconic restaurants

NT food scene titan Jimmy Shu has taken a step back from the day to day operations of his iconic restaurants

Culinary icon Jimmy Shu is stepping back from the helm of his restaurant empire. Picture: Che Chorley

NT FOOD scene titan Jimmy Shu has taken a step back from the day to day operations of his iconic restaurants, handing management responsibilities over to his trusted staff.

Shu said after three decades at the helm of his iconic Hanuman outlets in Darwin and Alice Springs it was time for a well earned rest but assured his legions of foodie fans it would be “business as usual” for those craving their curry fix.

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“I’m stepping down from the day to day running, I’ve promoted my management staff, the chefs as well as the managers to take over,” he said.

“They’ve been doing this for a while so I told them my presence will be less felt.

“What I’m trying to do is slowly, slowly wind down.”

Shu said he would still keep a watchful eye over his beloved eateries while trusting his senior staff to keep the businesses on an even keel.

“I will still be overseeing the whole operation, my manger and my head chef are going to be shareholders so basically the show goes on,” he said.

“I’ll be in the background creating some new dishes and experimenting with new directions but all off site.”

Jimmy Shu has taken a step back from the day to day operations of his iconic restaurants, handing management responsibilities over to his trusted staff. Picture: Che Chorley

Shu was tight lipped on his professional plans in his semi-retirement but hinted at potential new projects in the works.

“I’m going to spend a bit of time with my family maybe about three months or six months,” he said.

“Then there are other opportunities I’m looking at but nothing confirmed.”

It comes after Shu catered his final Darwin Festival this year after 20 years feeding hungry patrons at the perennially popular fixture on the Top End entertainment calendar.

“Every little event like this is a bonus, something to look forward to,” he said at the time.

“It has special meaning to me, it’ll be my 20th consecutive event.

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“I was supposed to resign last year – I think that’s a milestone no one can beat currently.

“I feel like a Federer with a number of feathers in my cap.”

Next year will mark 30 years since the 71-year-old Chinese born Shu arrived in the Territory after migrating from Sri Lanka and has been a fixture on the local food scene ever since.

In his most recent project, Shu hosted the Taste of the Territory series showcasing NT cuisine on SBS.