Byron Bay institution beloved by celebs and locals alike closes its doors without warning after 17 years
A restaurant and deli loved by Byron Bay locals and tourists alike has closed its doors after 17 years in business, just a few days after Christmas.
The iconic Harvest restaurant in the small, historic village of Newrybar in the Byron Bay hinterland announced the news in a shocking statement.
The retail collective assured that customers who had made deposits for Christmas food orders, events or weddings would be contacted personally to arrange a full refund.
“After many incredible years as a cornerstone of the Newrybar community, it is with great sadness that we have announced the closure of Harvest, effective last Friday, December 13,” a statement on the website said.
‘The reality of rising costs – which have risen by more than 30 percent in recent years – combined with compliance pressures and an uncertain future for tenure, made continued operations untenable.
“Although it is difficult to say goodbye, we are so grateful for all the memories and their special place in our community.”
Harvest housed a gourmet restaurant, deli and canteen, organic garden, wedding reception and 121-year-old wood-fire oven.
The husband and wife duo Tristan and Kassia Grier took over the business in 2007.
The Harvest restaurant and deli is located in the lush hinterland of Byron Bay on the NSW North Coast. Locals were shocked this week when it announced it would close permanently
The Newrybar restaurant (pictured) said rising costs, compliance pressures and an uncertain future for the office had made ongoing operations unsustainable
The couple transformed the casual breakfast cafe into a culinary destination, earning rave reviews and attracting guests from up and down the East Coast.
The site had very humble beginnings with the original Queenslander style house serving as a post office and general store during its 132 year history.
Mr Grier grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches before studying hotel management and working in ski resorts in Australia and Canada.
“I wanted to get away from the winter season but still get that same holiday feeling, so I thought Byron Bay was the exact opposite of snow,” he said The Australian.
He met his wife at another restaurant before they started working together at the Harvest Cafe to save money to open their own restaurant.
‘The owner was very stressed, so one day we arranged a meeting with him and offered to run the business. But instead he said, ‘Do you want to buy it?'” he recalled.
“We were 26 or 27, and we thought we wanted to have a nice dinner and be in Byron Bay in between.”
They bought the company and transformed it into the icon it became.
The iconic restaurant has closed its doors after 17 years, just days before Christmas
The site (pictured) had very humble beginnings with the original Queenslander-style house serving as a post office and general store during its 132-year history.
Devastated customers were quick to share their shock at the sudden closure.
KIIS 97.3 Brisbane radio host Robin Bailey wrote: “That is such devastating news.
‘After having my wedding there on 17.11.2018 and my husband subsequently passing away from cancer, our experience with you was one of my favorite and most cherished memories. It’s so sad to hear why you’re closing, but new beginnings.
“Thank you for all you have done and the wonderful experiences you have provided for so many. Great love.’
‘So sad…I absolutely loved eating with you when I was in Byron. You created something so beautiful, you will be so missed. Thank you,” wrote a second.
“Thank you for creating such a draw for our beautiful region,” said a third.