One of Sydney’s iconic restaurants has announced it will close its doors, blaming landlords and rent disputes for the unexpected closure just days before Christmas.
High-end Thai restaurant Long Chim, located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, will serve its final dishes on Friday, December 20, after eight “brilliant” years of trading.
“The end of an era,” the team said in its statement.
‘To every guest who shared a meal with us, to our extraordinary team, past and present, you have been the heart and soul of Long Chim.
‘You brought life to our dining room, energy to our kitchen and made these eight years unforgettable. We owe you more than words can express.
The restaurant, owned by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson, has gone into voluntary administration, with the owners criticizing the owners for the challenges they faced following the Covid-19 pandemic, including rising restaurant rental costs. almost $1 million.
“To our owners at Martin Place: after eight years, you have turned your back on us, and the 50 people who work here, just days before Christmas,” the owners said.
‘For two years, scaffolding has blocked our original entrance, limiting accessibility for people with disabilities… Access to our beautiful dining room has been through a disused former cafeteria for two years.’
High-end Thai restaurant Long Chim, located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, will serve its final dishes on Friday, December 20, after eight “brilliant” years of trading.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Sydney property investment firm for comment.
Since Covid reductions ended in June 2022, the restaurant has returned to nearly $1 million in rent.
“We have constantly sought your support to accept that rents are not where they were,” the owners said.
‘You appointed external consultants to review our claim and they confirmed that we were a good operator paying above market rent, but this information was considered unpalatable.
‘We offered to accept a 30-day renewable contract, so you could see if you could find a tenant at a rental level that worked for you. You said no. We offered to reinvest in the space to revitalize it once the scaffolding was removed. You said no.
With the restaurant set to close its doors in a matter of days, the owners insisted: “This is not goodbye forever, we are already planning what’s next.”
‘Despite all this, we have loved the time we spent in your building and, while the pain of losing our restaurant is great, we are already planning our next move as you meet to brainstorm how to fill your soon-to-be-left space. vacant. space,” the owners said.
‘We will return. Until then, stay spicy, Sydney. With love and fire, the Long Chim Sydney team.’
Landlords have been criticized by landlords for the challenges they faced following the Covid-19 pandemic, including rising rental costs of almost $1 million.
The Long Chim restaurant in Perth will remain open, while Sydney diners are encouraged to visit other places where former employees work, including Pork Fat, Sandoitchi Cafe and Muum Maam Barangaroo.
Fans of the Sydney restaurant were devastated by the news.
‘I’m really heartbroken that your restaurant has closed. It was my favorite place, not only because of the food but because of the warmth and kindness you gave us all. I wish you all the best in what lies ahead,” said one.
‘Oh no, it’s so sad to hear this. We headed to Long Chim every time we visited Sydney. It won’t be the same without you there. Good luck, I hope you open another location in Sydney,” another shared.
‘Very sad news, but about bigger and better things. “We are looking forward to an announcement in the New Year,” one added.
Long Chim joins a number of popular Sydney restaurants that have closed their doors amid rising costs in recent months.
The latest to close is seafood restaurant Petermen in St Leonards, owned by top chef Josh Niland and his restaurateur wife Julie.