A beloved Newcastle waterfront restaurant has closed its doors for good just days before the crucial Christmas trading period, leaving loyal patrons devastated and casting a spotlight on the severe pressures facing the hospitality sector.
A Sudden and Heartbreaking Decision
Thermidor Oyster Bar and Brasserie, a relaxed dining venue on the Hunter River waterfront in the heart of Newcastle, New South Wales, served its final guests on December 6. Co-owners and husband-and-wife team, chef Josh Gregory and Jess Gregory, made the shock announcement permanent via an Instagram post on December 11.
"With heavy hearts, we need to share that Thermidor will be closing its doors as of today," the statement read. "This wasn't the timeline we expected, but unforeseen circumstances mean our journey ends sooner than planned."
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Josh Gregory confirmed the decision was not made lightly, but was the result of an "infinite number of factors that slowly add up to the decision to shut".
The 'Crippling' Reality Behind the Restaurant Scene
The Gregorys, veterans of the industry, explained that their experience reflects a wider crisis for small Australian restaurants. They detailed a perfect storm of financial pressures that ultimately proved unsustainable.
"The average guest sits in a beautiful venue, they're served by warm and friendly staff and they hopefully enjoy delicious plates of food; what they don't see is the crippling costs of labour, tax, ingredients, rent and utilities," Josh said.
He highlighted a lack of government support, stating, "There is an absolute onslaught of bills for restaurants now, with no real support from the government in terms of taxation or relief." The couple pointed to a staggering statistic, suggesting around 80 percent of new restaurants close within their first year.
"If 80 percent of any other industry failed within the first-year people would march on the streets," Josh remarked. After closely monitoring their finances for the past six months, the pair realised they would not generate enough revenue through the summer to survive the following winter. "For Jess and myself, we had to make a decision that was best for our family and our future," he added.
Industry Mourning and Future Hopes
The online closure announcement thanked patrons for "every booking, every celebration, every oyster" and praised the "incredible staff" who were "the soul of Thermidor". The owners confirmed they would contact all guests with bookings for the festive season.
The news was met with an outpouring of support and sadness from the hospitality community and customers alike. Hydro Blue Mountains Executive Chef Konstantin Putkin wrote, "Devastated for you mate," while food content creator @isaac_eatsalot called it "an honour to be guests in your home".
The founder of Newcastle Food Month shared a poignant tribute: "When one of our best moves on, it moves us all... what you brought to Newcastle dining was next level." Loyal customers expressed their dismay, with one calling it their "favourite restaurant".
Despite the closure, the Gregorys hinted at a possible return. "Hospitality runs in our veins so I'm sure we will be yearning to scratch that itch again very soon," Josh said, noting they would take a break before new projects.
Thermidor, which operated for two-and-a-half years, was renowned for its seafood-driven menu inspired by global coastlines. Its offering featured an oyster bar, snacks like kingfish ceviche, and mains including pasta and grilled fish.
