Brisbane burger joint Grassfed is forced to close as owners blame rising costs
Brisbane burger restaurant Grassfed is being forced to close as its owners blame rising costs
An Australian burger restaurant that became famous locally and internationally is to close due to rising costs – eight months after a mysterious online post predicted it would close.
Grassfed in Brisbane has gained a huge following since opening in 2018 for its vegan burgers and specialty sides such as Vegemite gravy fries.
There used to be queues out the door of the small building on Fish Lane, and there was even an international fan base, but it will close for good on September 24.
Owners Leizl Estioko and Jonny Garrison say the higher cost of ingredients, people eating out less often and a $200 per week rent increase have all taken their toll.
The couple also said they want to spend more time with their five children and focus on their other business, Queensland Vegan Markets.
Grassfed, an Australian burger restaurant that has become famous both locally and internationally, is closing, blaming rising costs, including rent. A woman is depicted holding Grassfed food in her hands
A mysterious post on Reddit (photo) predicted Grassfed’s demise eight months ago
“It has been a tough journey since 2020 with a lot of instability and a lot of ups and downs,” Ms Estioko told the newspaper. Courier mail.
“The cost of everything is going up: the cost of goods, supplies, wages, super, and we’re not a luxury restaurant that can charge more.
“You can’t charge $30 or $40 for burgers and fries, so how can we make ends meet if we make a profit margin of 50 cents per dish?”
She said the rising cost of living also meant that instead of getting a burger and a drink each, some people were now sharing them.
With limited space, it was difficult to make money as two seats were taken up by people eating one hamburger.
Grassfed gained a strong following in the five years of its existence, including from MasterChef judge and food critic Matt Preston.
The reputation also spread interstate and overseas, with some people heading there straight after arriving at Brisbane airport.
The owners said they were proud of what they had achieved with Grassfed, claiming they had converted some people to veganism and had also raised money for the charity Farm Animal Rescue.
The restaurant has 11 days left and is offering $6 and $7 specials on Tuesdays and Wednesdays before closing its doors.
Grassfed in Brisbane has gained a huge following since opening in 2018 for its vegan burgers and specialty sides such as Vegemite gravy fries (pictured)
It gained a strong following in its five years of existence, including from MasterChef judge and food critic Matt Preston. The photo shows a grass-fed burger
While many are surprised by the impending closure, it appears the writing is on the wall at least early this year.
A Jan. 1 Reddit post predicted the restaurant’s days were numbered.
“For my vegans in Brisbane, make sure you visit Grassfed before they close sometime this year,” says the message said.
“They make the best burgers and cauliflower wings I’ve ever had!”