Australia’s tough hospitality sector has forced a beloved Mexican restaurant in Sydney’s west into liquidation.
Checho’s, a contemporary Mexican restaurant in Penrith, announced its closure last Saturday, ahead of its last day of business on Sunday.
The directors of the eatery announced the news on Instagram.
“We regret to inform you all that this will be the last weekend of operations for the Chechos team at our home on High St,” they said.
“It’s been an incredible four years at the heart of this community and we can’t thank all our loyal customers enough for your support.
“It’s been an amazing ride and we’re so proud of what we’ve been able to create.”
Checho’s (pictured), a contemporary Mexican restaurant in Penrith, announced its liquidation and closure last Saturday
The post went on to explain why the restaurant was closing, blaming Australia’s struggling hospitality industry.
“Having said this, it is a very difficult time for the hospitality industry and our only parting wish is that you continue to support local restaurants, cafes and bars,” it said.
“There are so many great operators and businesses that are struggling and can’t get through this period without you.”
Chad Rapsey of Rapsey Griffiths will oversee the liquidation of the restaurant, which opened in October 2020.
It is not yet known how large the company’s debt is and how many employees the closure will affect.
Disappointed fans of Checho’s commented under the restaurant’s farewell post.
‘This is so sad! We love your restaurant and it always seems busy!’ wrote one.
‘It is certainly a difficult time for all catering establishments at the moment. Very sad to see you go,” said another.
‘You will be so missed. I will always remember my birthday during lockdown. We had your take home dinners and it made my day so much brighter,” wrote another.
‘This is extremely sad news. There is no other place like it and there never will be another place. What a great location,” a fourth customer wrote.
However, other commenters weren’t as impressed to see that the restaurant was still selling gift vouchers and taking bookings after the closing date.
‘I have a gift voucher, what happens to this?’ someone asked.
“Then why did you make me book for a party of 12 in April?” wrote another.
The Mexican restaurant (pictured) cited difficult trading conditions in the western Sydney hospitality industry as the reason for the closure
New data from the CreditorWatch Business Risk Index for February shows that the number of bankruptcies in the hospitality industry increased by 53 percent in the past financial year.
Food and drink companies faced the highest risk of failure “by a significant margin”, with Western Sydney hardest hit.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Checho’s and Mr Rapsey for comment.