Jamie Oliver closes the last of his Australian restaurants

Jamie Oliver has closed down the last of his Australian ventures, after his pizzeria at Pacific fair on the Gold Coast went into voluntary administration.

The business owes $1million.

The recent closure follows the shut-down of the celebrity chef’s Italian restaurants in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney in March 2020 during the pandemic.

Hallmark Hospitality Group, which manages a portfolio of nightclubs and restaurants, including Finn McCool’s and Retro’s in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, was also The Jamie’s Italian chain operator.

Hallmark director Matt Heanen told administrators that Jamie’s Italian had just $7336 cash in the bank.

Heanen reported debts of just over $1 million, including $91,843 in rent and $915,681 to related parties.

Anne Meagher and Matt Bookless of SV Partners have appointed as administrators.

Bookless said it looked as if all employee entitlements had been paid.

“The cause of the administration, as advised to us by the director, has been a squeeze on consumers’ discretionary spending, which has impacted the company’s turnover,” Bookless said.

A Jamie’s Italian spokesperson said the door is still open to operate the chain in Australia.

“We know the Jamie Oliver brand is loved by patrons locally and internationally, and we are currently seeking new location opportunities for Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria restaurants,” the statement said.

“We want to thank our customers, employees, suppliers, and the Gold Coast community for their support of the Pacific Fair venue.”

It has been a tough road for Oliver lately, with his British restaurant chain recently filing for bankruptcy protection, leaving debts of more than $160m and 1000 people out of work.

Jonathan Jackson, 13^th September 2023