A Tasmanian restaurant empire has collapsed after the owner ‘bit off more than he could chew’.
Four venues, including three Firestorm Tacos & Bar restaurants and The Caledonian Wine Vaults, shut down without warning this week – with once venue’s eviction notice circulated widely on social media.
Owner Paul Fielding said the failure of The Caledonian to attract customers led to the collapse of the empire.
“It would’ve been nice to be remembered for something other than an eviction notice, but yes, the Firestorm venues are winding down,” Fielding wrote online.
“Though we have slowly accrued debt along the way, I’ve always been confident in getting back level based on strong sales and establishing a long-term national brand, born & bred in Tasmania.”
“My decision to take on a larger (ultimately disastrous) venue to expedite that process proved too much, with the opposite effect.”
Fielding said it ‘didn’t feel like’ he was risking the popular Taco chain at the time and said “never once did I see it coming to this”.
“As it stands I’ve continually let down staff, suppliers and landlords by taking on too much, and will accept the consequences to liquidate and ensure these are paid.”
“As hard as the journey has been it’s always been worth it to see happy people having a good time.”
“Tassie is a tough market but I’d encourage more foodies to follow their dream and create delicious food & bev products- you will find loyal customers.”
