‘Breaks my heart’ as Matt Moran closes all his venues
Hospitality group Solotel Group has announced the closure all of their venues following the nationwide shutdown of venues.
The restaurants of co-owner Matt Moran - Chophouse and Chiswick at the Gallery - had already shut their doors, but Aria, Chiswick Woollahra, North Bondi Fish, Bea at Barangaroo and Paddo Inn have also closed.
“In my 36 years in the industry, there have been many ups and downs but this breaks my heart,” Moran said. “As a community, we must be brave, be kind, stay positive and support. We will get through this and will come back stronger when we re-open.”
All Solotel’s Sydney pubs and bars will also close, including The Clock Hotel, The Golden Sheaf, Smoke at Barangaroo, Albion Hotel, Bank Hotel, Opera Bar, The Marly, Public House Petersham, Courthouse Hotel, Darlo Bar, House Bar, Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Goros, Bridgeview Hotel, Quay Bar, Regent Hotel, Riverbar and Kitchen, The Erko, The Sackville, Green Park Hotel and Kings Cross Hotel. In total, 27 venues will cease trading.
The Sackville Hotel and Clock Hotel Bottle Shops will remain open along with a review of further take away offerings underway.
“The Solomon family has proudly been a part of Australia's hospitality industry for more than a 100 years,” said co-owner Bruce Solomon.
“We are devastated by what has happened to hospitality and the wonderful people who work within our industry. It is the people we have had the privilege of working with that has made my time in the industry so fulfilling. I feel for our staff, their families and everyone in the industry. Elliot, Anna and I want to say thank you and we hope we will be able to rebuild a stronger Solotel in the future”.
Solotel CEO Justine Baker said it was “a sad day for our people and the hospitality industry”.
“We are committed to getting the business through this so that we are able to welcome our staff and guests back as soon as we can,” she said.
Solotel employed approximately 1200 staff.
Hospitality empire Rockpool Dining Group also ceased operating its 85 restaurants from yesterday.
Its venues, including Fratelli Fresh, Bavarian, Rockpool Bar & Grill, Spice Temple, El Camino Cantina and Saké, in cities Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. It is also closing its burger chain Burger Project.
Sydney's Fratelli Fresh is still trading as a "Grocer and Home Chef" service, where customers can order ready-made meals and grocery items to be delivered.
“We thank all our guest, suppliers and staff for their support during this difficult time, and send our best wishes for everyone's health and wellbeing," Rockpool said in a statement posted online.
Sheridan Randall, 24th March 2020
