Byron Bay institution beloved by celebs and locals alike closes its doors without warning after 17 years
A restaurant and deli beloved by Byron Bay locals and tourists alike has closed its doors just days out from Christmas after 17 years of business.
The iconic Harvest restaurant set in the small, historic village of Newrybar in the Byron Bay Hinterland announced the news in a shock statement.
The retail collective assured customers who had placed deposits for Christmas food orders, events or weddings would be personally contacted to arrange a full refund.
‘After many incredible years as the cornerstone of the Newrybar community, it is with profound sadness that we announced the closure of Harvest, effective from last Friday, 13 December,’ a statement on its website read.
‘The reality of rising costs – up over 30 percent in recent years – combined with compliance pressures and an uncertain future for tenure, made continuing operations unsustainable.
‘While it is hard to say goodbye, we’re so grateful for all the memories and their special place in our community.’
Harvest housed a fine dining restaurant, deli and canteen, an organic garden and wedding reception area and a 121-year-old woodfire oven.
Husband and wife duo Tristan and Kassia Grier took over the business in 2007.
The Harvest restaurant and deli set in the lush Byron Bay hinterland on the NSW North Coast. Locals were left shocked this week when it announced it would permanently closed
The Newrybar restaurant (pictured) said rising costs, compliance pressures and an uncertain future for tenure had made ongoing operations untenable
The couple transformed the casual breakfast café into a culinary destination, earning critical acclaim and attracting diners from along the east coast.
The venue 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 he studied hotel management and worked in ski resorts in Australia and Canada.
‘I wanted to get away from the winter season but get the same holiday town feeling so, I thought Byron Bay was the exact opposite of snow,’ he told 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 we called a meeting with him one day and offered to run the place. But he said instead ‘Do you want to buy it?” he recalled.
‘We were 26 or 27, and we thought we wanted to do fine dining and be in Byron Bay among it all.’
They bought the business and transformed it into the icon it became.
The iconic restaurant has closed its doors after 17 years just days away from Christmas
The venue (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 shutdown.
KIIS 97.3 Brisbane radio host Robin Bailey wrote: ‘That is such devastating news.
‘Having held my wedding there 17.11.2018 and my husband has subsequently died of cancer, our experience with you was one of my favorite and most treasured memories. It’s so sad to hear why you are closing but new beginnings.’
‘Thank you for everything you’ve done and the amazing experiences you provided for so many. Big love.’
‘So sad… I absolutely loved dining up with you when in Byron. You created something so lovely, you will be so missed. Thank you,’ a second wrote.
‘Thank you for creating such a drawcard to our beautiful region,’ a third said.
