A venue run by a former Masterchef star is suddenly closing its doors just days after winning a major award, in the latest grim sign for Australia’s hospitality industry.
Jamie Fleming’s Alba Bar and Deli, on Burnett Lane, Brisbane, made the announcement on Instagram that Saturday night would be its last night of operation.
He was a contestant on season 6 of MasterChef in 2014 and opened the Brisbane location in 20219, shortly before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Unfortunately, economic pressures and the terrible timing of opening (just before the pandemic) mean we have had to make this heartbreaking decision,” the post read.
‘We are a small team and we always try to offer the best service and quality production.
Jamie Fleming’s (pictured) venue, Alba Bar and Deli on Burnett Lane, Brisbane, made the announcement on Instagram that Saturday night would be its last night of operation.
The closing announcement said: “We are a small team and we always try to offer the best quality of service and production.” Samples of their rate are shown.
“Unfortunately, with the prices of everything going up and little support, there is unfortunately only one clear end.”
Alba’s closure comes just days after hospitality website Boothby named it the best bar in Queensland.
The outlet’s farewell statement thanked “everyone who has helped bring Alba to life.” From team members, suppliers, friends and anyone who has walked through the door, you have helped bring something incredible to life.’
In reference to the very difficult times that the industry is experiencing due to the cost of living crisis, Alba acknowledged that others in the business are also having a hard time.
‘We have always had great support from those we respect and love most, our peers.
“Without your support, Alba would have been just another statistic and, instead, we have been given the opportunity to swing for the fences and continue hitting the target.”
Alba said it had been “a pleasure to serve, feed, laugh and dance with each of you.”
‘We still don’t know if we are a bar where you eat well or a restaurant where you smoke. What we do know is that we are Alba and we have never been anything else.
The emotional statement ended by saying: ‘This will not be the last time you see us.’ I promise… Peace.’
Alba Bar and Deli (pictured) said it had been “a pleasure to serve, feed, laugh and dance with each of you.”
The Brisbane venue is the latest in a series of high-profile casualties in the restaurant business in recent months.
In May, beloved Sydney restaurant Tetsuya’s announced it would close permanently after 37 years delighting Australian foodies.
The fine dining restaurant will close its doors permanently on July 31, 2024, despite originally hoping to move elsewhere.
After that blow, Kylie Kwong revealed that she would be closing her iconic restaurant Lucky Kwong after being open for 24 years.
