Brisbane burger restaurant Grassfed forced to close as owners blame rising costs
An Australian burger restaurant that became locally and internationally famous is closing its doors, due to rising costs – eight months after a mysterious online article predicted its closure.
Grassfed in Brisbane has gained huge success for its vegan burgers and curious sides such as Vegemite fries since opening in 2018.
There used to be queues out the door of its small premises on Fish Lane, and even an international fan base, but it will close its doors for good on September 24.
Owners Leizl Estioko and Jonny Garrison said the higher cost of ingredients, people eating out less often and a $200-a-week rent increase have all taken a toll.
The couple also said they wanted to spend more time with their five children and focus on their other business, Queensland Vegan Markets.
Grassfed, an Australian hamburger restaurant that became famous both locally and internationally, is closing its doors due to rising costs, including rent. A woman is pictured holding food from Grassfed
Mysterious Reddit post (pictured) predicted Grassfed’s demise eight months ago
“It has been a difficult journey since 2020, with a lot of instability and a lot of ups and downs,” Ms Estioko told the Courier mail.
“The cost of everything is going up – the cost of goods, deliveries, salaries, super and we are not a high-end restaurant that can charge more.
“You can’t charge $30 or $40 for burgers and fries, so how can we still make a living if we’re making a 50-cent profit margin per dish.”
She said the rising cost of living also meant that instead of each getting a burger and a drink, some people were now sharing them.
With limited space, having two seats occupied by people eating a burger made it difficult to make money.
Grassfed has gained a popular following in its five-year run, including praise from MasterChef judge and food critic Matt Preston.
Its reputation has also spread interstate and overseas, with some people heading there immediately after arriving at Brisbane Airport.
The owners said they were proud of what they had achieved with Grassfed, saying they had converted some people to veganism and raised money for the charity Farm Animal Rescue.
The restaurant has 11 days left and is offering $6 and $7 specials on Tuesdays and Wednesdays before closing its doors.
Grassfed in Brisbane has gained huge success for its vegan burgers and curious sides such as Vegemite fries (pictured) since opening in 2018.
It has gained a popular following in its five-year run, including praise from MasterChef judge and food critic Matt Preston. A grass-fed burger is pictured
Although many were surprised by the impending closure, it seems the writing has been on the wall since at least the beginning of this year.
A Reddit post on January 1 predicted that the restaurant’s days were numbered.
“For my Brisbane vegans, make sure you check out Grassfed before they close this year,” said the the message said.
“They make the best burgers and cauliflower wings I’ve ever had!” »
