Indigenous-owned Mabu Mabu closes Big Esso restaurant in Federation Square in Melbourne

Indigenous-owned hospitality business Mabu Mabu has closed its Federation Square restaurant Big Esso in the latest blow to Melbourne’s CBD.

Renowned Melbourne-based Indigenous-owned business Mabu Mabu has closed its Federation Square restaurant. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Renowned Indigenous-owned hospitality business Mabu Mabu has closed its Federation Square restaurant.

Melbourne-based Mabu Mabu has called in liquidators to its Big Esso all-day bar and kitchen which has operated from Federation Square in Melbourne’s CBD since 2021.

Mabu Mabu was founded by Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero and has won fame for its focus on native Australian ingredients and cuisine.

Big Esso offered up menu items including charred crocodile, emu steak and okra.

A liquidation notice lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission also lists Kara Meta, a range of handmade small-batch pantry items.

It’s not clear if the group will continue to trade its product range.

Michael Carrafa from SV Partners has been appointed liquidator.

The company was founded by Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero. Picture: David Crosling

Bero first opened a pop-up stall at the South Melbourne Market in 2018 and Yarraville cafe Mabu Mabu in 2019.

In July 2021, on the cusp of a Covid lockdown, Bero opened Big Esso.

Mabu Mabu told its social media followers the closure of its Federation Square site was “bittersweet”.

“When Mabu Mabu first opened its doors at the South Melbourne Market in 2018, we never could have imagined the incredible journey we’d embark on or the amazing people we’d meet along the way,” it wrote.

“From humble beginnings, we’ve had the privilege of growing, learning, and building a community that we now proudly call our family.

“As we reflect on the last seven years, we are filled with immense gratitude for the unwavering support, kindness, and love we’ve received from all of you.

In July 2021, on the cusp of a Covid lockdown, Bero opened Big Esso.

“While it’s incredibly bittersweet to close this chapter, we are also filled with excitement and anticipation for what’s coming next.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our story.”

The post said the restaurant closure was “not the end” but the “beginning of something new”.

“Watch this space for what’s to come,” it said.

The exit of Big Esso comes after the abrupt closure of Karen Martini’s restaurant Hero at ACMI in Federation Square in late 2023.

Melbourne late-night hospitality veterans have previously told the Herald Sun that working from home and a lack of foot traffic has left the CBD “fighting for its life”.

This dire warning followed the closure or financial collapse of a slew of high-profile venues including award-winning bars Bar Margaux and The Everleigh, late-night CBD spot the Carlton Club and live-music hub The Gasometer Hotel.

Originally published as Indigenous-owned Mabu Mabu closes Big Esso restaurant in Federation Square in Melbourne