Adrian Richardson to shut La Luna’s doors after 25 years in business
Iconic Melbourne restaurant La Luna will hold its final service on August 3, as owner and TV chef Adrian Richardson looks to pursue new projects after 25 years at the helm.
While cost of living factors including rent, wage and produce hikes had an impact, Richardson said he wanted to do new things.
“I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I want to do new things,” he told the Herald Sun.
“It’s a little emotional to let this go. This has been on my mind for a while, and once Covid finished and La Luna took off again … lots of other opportunities came up as well.”
“I had to ask myself: ‘Where am I putting my energy?’”
The end of the Carlton North eatery’s lease, was also a catalyst for the decision. However, Richardson said it isn’t the end for La Luna.
“I still own the name, so watch this space. We’re just pressing the pause button. La Luna isn’t over,” he said.
Richardson will remain busy with Geelong steakhouse Maestro, Bouvier Bar in East Brunswick, The Gallery Restaurant at Marvel Stadium and a new venture, Pasta Bambino, coming soon.
There are also two new projects in Brisbane: Boss and Aviary.
Richardson said doing business in Brisbane is easier than in Melbourne.
“Brisbane is a smaller city, younger and more vibrant. It’s very different up here,” he said.
“Brisbane demands what Sydney and Melbourne has, but they will put money behind it — people will go out to eat and drink.”
“(Melbourne) has so much competition. Really good competition — and lots of smaller places too. If you can make it in Melbourne, you can make it anywhere and you have to be on your game.”
Despite the degree of difficulty in Melbourne, Richardson believes owners should stop complaining about current conditions.
“Don’t bitch and moan, get out there and figure out how to make it work. People want to eat and people want to cook — you just need to figure out how to draw a line between the two.
“Don’t be a sheep and whinge about the problem — be a wolf, go get it.”
Jonathan Jackson, 27th May 2024
