A Sunshine Coast food venue, known for its rotisserie kitchen and craft beers, has closed its doors.
The announcement comes after the Birtinya restaurant’s director company went into administration on November 28 last year, forcing its other venue – NightQuarter – to close suddenly.
Malt Shovel Taphouse officially closed on March 10, the same day as a second meeting of creditors to hear the findings of Brisbane-based administrators SV Partners.
As a result from the teleconference, Food Focus Australia Pty Ltd – the company behind Malt Shovel Taphouse and NightQuarter – was put into liquidation.
Malt Shovel Taphouse announced its closure via social media late last week. In the statement it was revealed the company directors were unable to secure a new lease.
Former Food Focus director Michelle Christoe said that as a profitable venue they tried to keep the venue open but the closure was due to the debt accrued by NightQuarter.
She said that due to the outcomes of COVID, NightQuarter lost millions in ticket sales and patrons dwindled thanks to reduced consumer confidence.
Ms Christoe and husband Ian van der Woude sold their home to try to keep NightQuarter afloat and reduce the debts, however could not afford to continue with the high overheads of the venue.
“It has been devastating for everyone involved,” Ms Christoe said.
“We placed the company in voluntary administration and tried to obtain a new lease for Malt Shovel Taphouse under a separate company.
“The issue was the venue sat under the same company as NightQuarter.
“Last week the lease proposal was not accepted so we were out of options.
“We had to withdraw the DOCA (deed of arrangement) that had been worked through by the administrators to pay creditors and liquidate the business.
“This is not the outcome we wanted or expected and will miss our loyal patrons and amazing staff.”
Ms Christie and Mr van der Woude opened Malt Shovel Taphouse at Stockland Birtinya shopping centre in October 2019, next to where music venue NightQuarter opened a year later.
Malt Shovel Taphouse was voted one of the best places to visit on the Sunshine Coast and won an Eat Drink Design Award.
It was known for its 16 rotating taps, weekly trivia and weekend local music sessions, plus rotisserie kitchen with 10 spits.
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