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Popular Calia restaurant enters into voluntary administration amid cost pressures
Melbourne restaurant Calia has gone into voluntary administration amid the cost of living crisis.
Co-owners Ricky Thien and City of Melbourne councillor Jason Chang have operated the chain since 2016, with venues in Emporium and Chadstone.
The pair also ran a specialty food and drinks business.
Jirsch Sutherland’s Glenn Crisp will act as administrator.
Calia was popular for Asian-inspired menu, which was created by Michelin Star chef Francisco Javier Araya.
Chang said the restaurants struggled with soaring operational costs and Covid lockdowns.
“Similar to many small hospitality businesses in Melbourne, the past few years have brought significant challenges to our company due to the impacts of Covid,” he said.
“Calia is working closely with Jirsch Sutherland to actively explore solutions as it relates to both customers and key stakeholders.
“Calia venues are currently operating as normal and are fully committed to providing regular updates to all stakeholders as it works through the voluntary administration process.”
The restaurant’s struggles have also taken a toll on Chang’s mental health.
“Mental health has always had a social stigma, especially in Asian culture, but it really shouldn’t be,” Chang said.
“I recently broke down in city council when I commented on the challenges of small businesses in Melbourne CBD as well as families during this cost of living crisis.
“I have now realised that as strong as I try to be, I am not immune from depression and anxiety.
“I tried to be strong for the community and my team but it has taken a huge toll on my mental health and family. In the end I am human, we are all human.
“I encourage any of you who are going through tough times and are facing anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges to seek help.”
It hasn’t been a good time for Chang who was attacked recently while trying to stop an alleged alcohol thief at his Emporium store.
Jonathan Jackson, 13th July 2023
