Noosa restaurant, Herbert, announces shock closure on social media

The owners behind a popular Noosa restaurant and cocktail venue have announced its immediate closure on social media, citing “challenging times” had made the business unsustainable.

Herbert Noosa Heads.

The owners behind a popular Noosa restaurant and cocktail bar have announced its shock closure, citing “challenging times” had made the business unsustainable.

The “conscious plant-centric” restaurant, Herbert, at 1 Arcadia St, in Noosa Heads, offered a wide range of vegan and vegetarian dishes in the 60-seat bistro-style venue.

The restaurant was opened in 2021 by Noosa residents Alex McKechnie and Leon Johnston, with a focus on delivering “next level cocktails”, according to the venue’s website.

In a social media post made on the Herbert page on Tuesday the owners stated they were left with no choice but to close the venue immediately due to “challenging times”.

“It is with deep regret and sorrow that I must announce the permanent closure of Herbert Restaurant, effective today,” the post stated.

“Despite our best efforts to sustain the business during these increasingly challenging times, the restaurant has unfortunately been unsustainable for quite a while. I no longer have any choice and have to cease operations.”

They apologised to anyone impacted by the immediate closure and expressed their gratitude at the support from the community over the past three years.

“I offer my sincerest apologies to everyone affected by this. I am profoundly grateful to all who have supported us over the years, including our dedicated staff and our valued guests. Your support has meant the world to us, and we deeply appreciate your patronage,” the post stated.

The end of Herbert comes two weeks after the unexpected closure of three other Noosa restaurants all operated by Sydney-based restaurateur David Singer.

The venues included Frenchies Brasserie Noosa, JD’s Chicken Co Noosaville and Apero Wine Bar, which were all permanently closed on August 7, 2024.

Herbert Noosa Heads was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Noosa restaurant, Herbert, announces shock closure on social media