PHOTO: MUST DO BRISBANE
A renowned Australian burger eatery, which achieved both local and international acclaim, is set to cease its operations due to escalating expenses. This closure comes eight months after an enigmatic online post eerily foretold its demise.
Grassfed, located in Brisbane, gained immense popularity for its vegan burger offerings and unique sides like Vegemite gravy fries since its establishment in 2018. Initially, the establishment frequently witnessed long queues outside its compact Fish Lane premises, and it even garnered an international fanbase. However, it is now scheduled to permanently close its doors on September 24. Owners Leizl Estioko and Jonny Garrison attributed this decision to the rising costs of ingredients, a decline in dine-out frequency among patrons, and a weekly rent increase of $200.
The couple also expressed their desire to dedicate more time to their five children and concentrate on their other venture, Queensland Vegan Markets. Ms. Estioko remarked, “It’s been a challenging journey since 2020, marked by considerable instability and numerous ups and downs. The expenses related to goods, deliveries, wages, and superannuation are all escalating, and we cannot position ourselves as a high-end restaurant that can charge higher prices. Charging $30 or $40 for burgers and fries is not feasible, leaving us with minuscule profit margins of 50 cents per dish.”
She further noted that the increasing cost of living had led some customers to opt for sharing a burger and a drink, which, given the limited seating, made it difficult to generate profit.
Grassfed in Brisbane gained a huge following for its vegan burgers and curious sides such as Vegemite gravy fries (pictured) since it opened in 2018
Grassfed amassed a devoted following during its five-year existence, earning praise from notable figures such as MasterChef judge and food critic Matt Preston. Its reputation extended beyond state borders and even internationally, with some visitors making a beeline for the restaurant immediately upon arriving at Brisbane airport.
The proprietors expressed pride in their accomplishments at Grassfed, asserting that they had influenced some individuals to embrace veganism and had also raised funds for the Farm Animal Rescue charity.
With just 11 days remaining before its closure, the restaurant is offering special deals of $6 and $7 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as a farewell gesture. While many have been caught off guard by this abrupt shutdown, signs of its impending closure had surfaced as early as the beginning of this year. A Reddit post from January 1st had presciently predicted the eatery’s eventual closure: “For my fellow vegans in Brisbane, make sure to visit Grassfed before they shut down sometime this year. They serve the best burgers and cauliflower wings I’ve ever tasted!”
It gained a popular following in its five years of existence, including praise from MasterChef judge and food critic Matt Preston. A Grassfed burger is pictured