An acclaimed Noosa restaurant headed by a celebrity chef has been forced to close suddenly just two years after opening.
Peter Kuruvita’s Alba Noosa, which recently won a 2024 Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat, shut its doors on January 28 after it announced the news via social media.
Located at Noosa Heads within the Parkridge Noosa complex, it featured a restaurant, cafe, pizzeria, cooking school, shop and function venue.
The restaurant opened on December 2021 and news of the closure prompted an outpouring of support and thanks to Alba’s staff from the community.
Alba Noosa said the closure was due to the “general economic downturn”.
“We want everyone to know that this situation has not occurred overnight, and throughout 2023 Alba, similar to many other local businesses, have found it much tougher, due to the general economic downturn and fewer people eating out,” a comment by Alba Noosa on social media stated.
“We added lots of innovations, including Lazy Sundays, locals specials, events and themed lunches.
“We have worked very closely with our investors, who have stuck by us financially and with resources as we tried to manage the downturn.
“Please don’t blame them, we’ve had a great working relationship.
“But the time has come to close and evolve Alba into something else.”
Since the announcement Alba Noosa has been working to find work for its staff.
“We have had interest shown from some of our fellow restaurants in taking on some of our excellent staff, and many of our holiday casuals have moved onto their next adventures,” the post said.
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In another statement on Facebook, Mr Kuruvita thanked his customers, staff and suppliers for their support.
“After two years of delicious food, fabulous events and cooking classes, Alba Noosa is now closed for the immediate future,” his statement read.
“Our successful collaboration has come to an end, and I’m excited to see what the future holds, both for myself and Alba.
“My heartfelt gratitude to everyone who dined at the restaurant or attended a cooking class, our local suppliers, and community for all your support over the past two years.
“Thank you to our amazing team for your passion and dedication in bringing Alba to life.
“We achieved many accomplishments and much recognition during my time there.
“I wish Alba Noosa all the best for their next chapter as an event venue.”
Mr Kuruvita is an award-winning chef and restaurateur, television presenter, author and restaurant consultant.
Prior to his role at Alba, he spent eight years at the helm of Noosa Beach House at Hastings Street and is known for his signature cooking style spiced with global flavours – including his famous snapper curry.
It its understood customers with upcoming reservations and event bookings at Alba would be contacted, while those with a gift voucher or cooking class voucher are encouraged to contact the restaurant.
Sunshine Coast News attempted to contact Mr Kuruvita as well as investors in the restaurant for further comment.
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