Bodega owner aims to reopen after sudden shut down

One of Toowoomba’s most popular watering holes has been closed without explanation for several weeks as the owner grapples with a Supreme Court order.

Bodega at Walton Stores owner Todd Farr.

The owner of one of Toowoomba’s most popular bars said he hoped to reopen as soon as possible after the business closed suddenly.

Alcohol wholesaler Paramount Liquor took Bodega Bar to court in June after over an unpaid bill.

The business was sent an enforceable undertaking but failed to respond, leading to Paramount Liquor filing for a winding up order in the Brisbane Supreme Court.

Bodega was also placed on a brief debt restructuring plan but on June 20 David Humbleton of Rodgers Ready was appointed to liquidate the business.

The bar’s owner Todd Farr said he had created a new business entity and hoped to buy back the former entity’s assets and reopen the doors at the bar’s current Walton Stores premises.

Negotiations for a new lease are under way.

“We first found out about it on June 1, we tried to settle with the client but they had no bar about it,” Mr Farr said.

“It was a shame, because we have been trading for more than two years and had we known about the bill we would have dealt with it.”

Australian Securities & Investments Commission records show a company under the name of Bodega (Australia) Pty Ltd was registered on June 21, the day after a liquidator was appointed for Bodega (QLD) Ltd Ltd.

The ‘speak-easy’ style bar opened in April 2021 and quickly established a reputation as a venue for live music.

“I am hoping to open as soon as possible,” Mr Farr said.

The bar has been closed for several weeks and its social media has been dormant since June 20.