Home Australia Sad reason why beloved Middle Eastern restaurant was forced to shut its doors: ‘We tried our best’

Sad reason why beloved Middle Eastern restaurant was forced to shut its doors: ‘We tried our best’

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Laian founder and head chef Nadeem Turkiyah (pictured) has been diagnosed with stage four lymphoma

A celebrated Western Australian restaurant has been forced to close its doors due to the head chef’s heartbreaking battle with cancer.

Laian, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Geraldton, WA’s midwest, last served customers last Sunday.

The business had faced several challenges over the past seven months, but the final blow came when founder and head chef Nadeem Turkiyah was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma.

Turkiyah was forced to travel to Darwin to receive chemotherapy and be closer to his family.

Staff battled high business costs and did their best to keep the restaurant’s door open, but it was too much for them to handle in Mr. Turkiyah’s absence.

Turkiyah uploaded a heartbreaking video to Facebook the day before Laian closed and said the move was a “really difficult decision” to make.

“We did everything we could, even the community tried (to help us) to keep the place going, but unfortunately we had to make the tough decision,” he said.

“The whole team tried to keep pushing and keep trying, but it was just bad luck.”

Laian founder and head chef Nadeem Turkiyah (pictured) has been diagnosed with stage four lymphoma

Turkiyah thanked the staff and locals for their hard work and support.

‘I cherish the memories of the two and a half years I spent there and hope to return. “I apologize for the closure of Laian, but sometimes things are out of our control,” he said Perth now.

Locals were shocked by Turkiyah’s devastating announcement and thanked him for providing the local community with a quality dining experience.

‘I’m really sorry to hear this sad news. Thank you for all the amazing meals and support over the years,’ one person wrote on social media.

‘Everyone has worked so hard and brought a unique and beautiful variety of food and flavor to Geraldton. We will miss you very much! Another person wrote.

“Their menu was indulgent and I couldn’t wait to see the changes in the seasons through their menu,” added a third.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Laian for further comment.

Laian was established in 2022 and the restaurant quickly began booking up as locals enjoyed the restaurant’s unique dishes and culinary style.

Locals were shocked by Turkiyah's devastating announcement about the closure of the restaurant (pictured), which is located in Geraldton

Locals were shocked by Turkiyah’s devastating announcement about the closure of the restaurant (pictured), which is located in Geraldton

The restaurant was recognized as one of the top 100 restaurants in the 2023 Western Australia Food Guide.

Mr Turkiyah also appeared on an episode of the hit SBS show The Cook Up hosted by celebrity boss Adam Liaw.

Turkiyah’s journey to Open Laian, named after her sister, began after arriving in Darwin as a 26-year-old in 2016 along with her family as Syrian refugees.

He went to Geraldton on holiday where he cooked dinner for the locals.

The move prompted Mr Turkiyah to secure an interest-free loan and he later opened the restaurant near St Francis Xavier Cathedral.

“It was an absolute pleasure serving you, we made so many memories and became a big family,” Turkiyah said.

‘I hope there is an opportunity to return. Let’s keep trying.

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