Rib joint in shock shutdown

THE owner of a successful Gold Coast restaurant has blamed the loss of key staff and council complaints for its demise after the popular venue suddenly closed its doors.

Buffalo Sears at Burleigh became the latest in a string of shock Gold Coast restaurant closures in recent months.

The 90-seater smokehouse, beneath the Swell Resort off James St, quickly became a crowd favourite after opening in July 2017. By the time it closed it had amassed a 4.5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor and was voted among the top five rib joints on the Coast by the Bulletin in February 2018.

But last month, just days after a new menu launch, owner Luke Fatooros announced the business had been permanently closed.

“For many months this was a great, thriving little business,” he said in an online post to supporters.

“(But) my original partner and chef, who started with me had to leave for personal reasons beyond my control. Then my incredible manager Helena left on maternity leave.

“Since then, it has been a constant struggle to try and find staff.’’

Mr Fatooros said he had been in a “constant battle” with the body corporate at the Swell Resort after complaints about smoke from the restaurant’s kitchen. He said there had also been “constant” complaints to the council about everything from noise to bins.

Mr Fatooros claimed none of the complaints were substantiated and he would continue in the barbecue scene.

An Italian venture, the Belvedere Stone Mill, is to open at the Swell Resort. Renovations are under way.

The departure of Buffalo Sears follows other closures including Broadbeach favourite O-sushi and Cichetti and That Italian Place, which have gone into administration.