Caledonian Wine Vaults flop brings down Devonport restaurateur Paul Fielding’s Firestorm Tacos chain

Four Tasmanian venues have closed without warning, with at least one closure accompanied by an eviction notice. The owner has broken his silence, pledging to repay his debts.

Launceston's The Caledonian Wine Vaults venue manager Satish Sherchan with owner Paul Fielding. Picture: Alex Treacy

A restaurant empire in Tasmania’s North has collapsed, with four venues shutting up shop without warning, at least one of which was accompanied by an eviction notice.

Devonport man Paul Fielding, owner of Firestorm Tacos & Bar restaurants at Burnie, Devonport and Launceston, as well as The Caledonian Wine Vaults in Launceston, said it would be “nice to be remembered for something other than an eviction notice”.

An eviction notice for Firestorm Launceston, located within the Northern Club on Cameron St, circulated widely on social media on Thursday.

“Eviction notice – Landlord has taken possession of this tenancy,” the notice read.

“Firestorm & Fielding Investments owners, employees and suppliers are not permitted to enter this tenancy without the landlord’s permission and attendance.”

Eviction notice at Firestorm Tacos & Bar, Northern Club, Launceston. Picture: Facebook

Mr Fielding said the collapse of Firestorm was due to the failure of Caledonian (formerly O’Keefe’s Hotel), which Mr Fielding unveiled last year, to strike a chord with the public.

“Though we have slowly accrued debt along the way, I’ve always been confident in getting back level based on strong sales and establishing a long-term national brand, born and bred in Tasmania,” Mr Fielding said.

“My decision to take on a larger [ultimately disastrous] venue to expedite that process proved too much, with the opposite effect.

Firestorm Tacos & Bar Launceston. Picture: Facebook

“It didn’t feel like I was risking Firestorm at the time, but I see now Firestorm might’ve been okay long-term if not for that final decision, and that is a bitter f---ing pill.

“As it stands I’ve continually let down staff, suppliers and landlords by taking on too much, and will accept the consequences to liquidate and ensure these are paid.

“I feel terrible and suffer heavily, and I’m truly sorry.

“Never once did I see it coming to this.

Firestorm Tacos & Bar. Picture: Facebook

“The debts might go away on paper but I’ll always be working to pay back what I owe, however long that takes, in particular the entitlements and small businesses screwed over.”

Mr Fielding pleaded for his family to be spared the opprobrium flowing his way.

“I accept the criticism but please leave my family alone. Apart from being my sole reason to drive so hard to provide and always backing me in, none of this is their fault,” he said.

“I’ve let them down badly and have to work through that as well.”

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It’s understood Mr Fielding’s other venues, Marion Storm Cafe & Catering at Devonport and Ulverstone, remain unaffected.

According to corporate records, Mr Fielding’s company, Fielding Investments (Tas) Pty Ltd, referred to in the eviction notice, remains registered and in the control of Mr Fielding and wife Claire.

Dozens of wellwishers took to social media to mourn the business and support Mr Fielding.

“I’m so sorry to hear this love. Running a business is hard, and you did the best you can. You will get through this and better days are ahead,” said Leah Halliwell.

“I’m so sorry to hear this! Your food, atmosphere and drinks were amazing and will be missed in Launceston,” added Leah Wiseman-Brown.

Firestorm Launceston and Devonport, as well as the Caledonian, are listed as ‘temporarily closed’ on Google, while Firestorm Burnie is listed as ‘permanently closed’.

Originally published as Caledonian Wine Vaults flop brings down Devonport restaurateur Paul Fielding’s Firestorm Tacos chain