A restaurant and delicatessen loved by Byron Bay locals and tourists alike closed its doors just days before Christmas after 17 years in business.
The iconic Harvest restaurant located in the small, historic town of Newrybar in the Byron Bay hinterland announced the news in a shocking statement.
The retail group assured that customers who had paid deposits for Christmas food orders, events or weddings would be contacted personally to arrange a full refund.
“After many incredible years as a cornerstone of the Newrybar community, it is with deep sadness that we announce the closure of Harvest, effective last Friday, December 13,” reads a statement on its website.
‘The reality of rising costs (over 30 per cent in recent years) combined with compliance pressures and an uncertain future for tenure, made continued operations unsustainable.
“While it is difficult to say goodbye, we are so grateful for all the memories and their special place in our community.”
Harvest housed a fine-dining restaurant, a deli and canteen, an organic garden and wedding reception area, and a 121-year-old wood-fired oven.
Husband and wife duo Tristan and Kassia Grier took over the business in 2007.
The Harvest restaurant and delicatessen is located in the lush hinterland of Byron Bay on the northern coast of New South Wales. Locals were shocked this week when he announced he would be closing permanently.
Restaurant Newrybar (pictured) said rising costs, compliance pressures and an uncertain future for tenure had made ongoing operations unsustainable.
The couple transformed the casual breakfast cafe into a culinary destination, earning critical acclaim and attracting diners from across the East Coast.
The site had very humble beginnings with the original Queenslander style house serving as a post office and general store during its 132 year history.
Grier grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches before studying hospitality management and working at ski resorts in Australia and Canada.
“I wanted to get away from the winter season but have the same holiday town feel, so I thought Byron Bay was the exact opposite of snow,” he said. The Australian.
He met his wife at another restaurant before they started working together at Harvest Cafe to save money and open their own restaurant.
‘The owner was very stressed, so one day we called a meeting with him and offered to run the place. But instead he said, “Do you want to buy it?” he recalled.
“We were 26 or 27 and we thought we wanted to have a good dinner and be in Byron Bay amongst all that.”
They bought the business and transformed it into the icon it became.
The emblematic restaurant closes its doors after 17 years a few days before Christmas
The site (pictured) had very humble beginnings with the original Queenslander-style house serving as a post office and general store during its 132-year history.
Devastated customers were quick to share their shock at the sudden closure.
KIIS 97.3 Brisbane radio host Robin Bailey wrote: “This is such devastating news.
‘Having celebrated my wedding there on 17.11.2018 and my husband subsequently died of cancer, our experience with you was one of my favorite and most cherished memories. It’s very sad to know why they are closing but they are new beginnings.
‘Thank you for everything you have done and the incredible experiences you provided to so many people. Great love.”
‘How sad… I loved having dinner with you when I was in Byron. You created something so beautiful that you will be greatly missed. Thank you,’ wrote a second.
“Thank you for creating such an attractive attraction for our beautiful region,” said a third.