Steakhouse set to reopen
A CIVIL dispute about a lease arrangement forced the closure of a popular restaurant, but it’s only temporary.
Grumpy’s Tavern Steakhouse and Bar shocked diners when its owners posted to social media it was closed temporarily due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Speculation as to why the restaurant, which opened in January last year, closed quickly followed after police were seen at the premises on Tuesday.
But Grumpy’s co-owner Michael Fallon said the closure was in relation to a lease negotiation and the tavern would re-open as quickly as possible.
“It is all to do with negotiating a new lease arrangement,” Mr Fallon told The Chronicle.
“We are working through that feverishly and hope to have a resolution within 24 hours by which time we will be re-opening.
“All stock is ready to go, my incredible staff has had a few extra days off and we can’t wait to get back in there.”
Mr Fallon, who co-owns the restaurant with Nick Luck, opened the steakhouse in January last year.
He was adamant the closure was temporary but was unable to confirm a re-opening date.
Police confirmed to The Chronicle they were requested to attend the Brisbane St tavern on Tuesday on a “keep the peace” assignment.
Police said security officers were also at the building where the locks had been changed due to a civil dispute.
Mr Fallon confirmed the locks to the tavern had been changed on the building as “part of the renegotiation of my lease arrangement”.
“It was just a process to be followed and we adhered to,” he said.
Mr Fallon said he hoped to have the lease negotiations resolved in coming days and would re-open with priority, and had been overwhelmed by the response to the restaurant’s temporary closure announcement.
“Everything is as we left it (Tuesday), it’s not like we have to order in anything extra, it’s just a matter of opening the doors and starting again,” he said.
“We are very humbled by the (social media) reach that has occurred in 24 hours and are very proud of the fact so many people are concerned.
“We can’t wait to return that compassion and kindness in getting it re-opened as soon as possible.”