LOKI TO CLOSE BUT NEW PROJECT IS PLANNED
McKenzie’s holding on
SPORTS Minister Bridget McKenzie is clinging to her job, ahead of the release of a report into her use of a $100 million sports grants fund to pork-barrel seats.
A former staffer in her office yesterday said they had warned of problems with the way the program was being handled well before a scathing report from Auditor-General Grant Hehir, who found she directed money to Coalition and marginal seats.
The senator is awaiting the outcome of an investigation by Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, due any day.
A GOLD Coast restaurant has shockingly closed two months after opening in the place of one of the region’s most popular eateries.
Nobby Beach restaurant and bar Loki opened in place of Hellenika in the iconic two-storey building on November 30 last year, promising a Mediterraneanthemed menu and fresh focus on “drinking, dining and dancing”.
A leaked screenshot of an email to the Gold Coast Bulletin reveals the restaurant’s last day of trade will be this Sunday and all employees will lose their jobs.
“I am not going to beat around the bush here. We have decided to close Loki,” the email reads.
“Our final day of trade will be Sunday 2nd of February. After this, Loki will cease to exist and so, unfortunately, will all contracts of employment. All entitlements will be paid in full.”
Loki is owned by the team behind popular Burleigh Heads pizza restaurant Justin Lane, credited with starting the rooftop bar trend on the Gold Coast.
The email said while the restaurant was “tracking in the right direction”, the team are planning to launch a new project in place of Loki.
“We are proud of what we have achieved in a very short period of time. We are proud and thankful of what all of us have put together.
“This decision has not been taken lightly, a lot of time, money and effort has been put into Loki and the business is tracking in the right direction.
“But deep in our hearts, we have a project that we are passionate about, and have decided to take this opportunity to relaunch with a new concept.”
In a statement to the Bulletin, Loki owner Brodie Millwood said the closure was only temporary.
“We have decided to cease trading as Loki. This is not ‘goodbye’ but this is ‘see you soon’,” Mr Millwood said.
“We opened a restaurant, a new concept, on very short notice, delivering a concept that we knew we could deliver on this short notice.
“However, deep inside we have a passion for another concept … that perhaps in hindsight we should have run with to begin with.
“Regardless of how things have worked out we are very proud of what we have achieved and thank every single person that has been involved.
“Please know that this decision was not made lightly, however we knew that if we wanted to make a change, the quieter months after the summer rush are the perfect time for us to make this happen.
“We cannot wait to unveil our new project. We hope the Gold Coast is ready.”