Aussie owners of popular waterfront restaurant reveal the brutal reality behind why they were forced to abruptly close just before Christmas

A popular restaurant has abruptly shut its doors just days before Christmas – leaving loyal customers devastated and the hospitality industry reeling.

Thermidor Oyster Bar and Brasserie is a relaxed dining venue on the waterfront that had been operating in the heart of the NSW coastal city of Newcastle for the past two-and-a-half years.

Co-owner and chef Josh Gregory and his wife Jess made a shock announcement that they were closing their doors permanently, officially hosting their final guests on December 6.

‘With heavy hearts, we need to share that Thermidor will be closing its doors as of today,’ the restaurant said in an Instagram post dated on December 11.

‘This wasn’t the timeline we expected, but unforeseen circumstances mean our journey ends sooner than planned.’

When Daily Mail contacted the establishment, the owners confirmed that their decision was not made lightly and came as a result of an ‘infinite number of factors that slowly add up to the decision to shut’.

‘It has been a challenging couple of weeks as we wrapped up the last pieces of our business after two-and-a-half years of our lives spent doing nothing else… Hospitality and the restaurant industry at the moment is no joke,’ Josh told Daily Mail.

‘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.’

The hospitality industry veterans went on to explain that they – like many small Australian restaurants at the moment – have been devastated by a myriad of financial issues.

‘There is an absolute onslaught of bills for restaurants now, with no real support from the government in terms of taxation or relief,’ Josh explained.

The restaurant co-owners said they were certainly not alone in this struggle, suggesting that ‘around 80 percent of new restaurants close within the first year and nobody seems to be talking about it.’

‘If 80 percent of any other industry failed within the first-year people would march on the streets,’ Josh explained.

‘While a restaurant may look simple on the outside, it lives and dies on knowing your numbers like any other business.

‘After keeping a close eye on our numbers these last six months we came to the realisation that we just weren’t seeing the amounts that we needed to bring in through summer to survive the coming winter.

‘For Jess and myself, we had to make a decision that was best for our family and our future.’

Despite the unexpected shutdown, the owners hinted at a possible comeback.

‘We are both definitely taking a bit of a breath before we launch into new projects. Hospitality runs in our veins so I’m sure we will be yearning to scratch that itch again very soon,’ Josh told Daily Mail.

The recent online announcement offered a heartfelt thanks to past patrons.

‘Thank you for every booking, every celebration, every oyster, every moment shared in our dining room. Your support has meant more to us than we can express.’

The announcement also expressed gratitude to the ‘incredible staff’ who have ‘been the soul of Thermidor’.

The notice concluded with an update that the restaurant owners would be in contact with any guests who had held bookings for the upcoming festive party season.

The post quickly attracted heartbroken replies from fellow hospitality industry professionals.

Hydro Blue Mountains Executive Chef Konstantin Putkin wrote: ‘Devastated for you mate.’

Popular Sydney food content creator @isaac_eatsalot also added: ‘I’m so sorry to hear this guys. It was an honour to be guests in your home.’

The founder of Newcastle Food Month shared a poignant tribute, writing: ‘When one of our best moves on, it moves us all. These decisions aren’t made lightly, we know. Please take a bow; what you brought to Newcastle dining was next level. Until we meet again… take care.’

Loyal customers also expressed their disappointment about no longer being able to return to the beloved venue.

‘Will be very very missed!’ replied one past patron. ‘We enjoyed some great meals and memories here. All the best for whatever amazing thing you do next!’

‘Nooo,’ said another. ‘I am so saddened to hear this! My favourite restaurant!’

Thermidor Oyster Bar and Brasserie previously offered a menu described on their website as ‘inspired by the great coasts of the world’.

Their offering included an oyster bar with a range of options and a seafood-driven snack menu featuring taramasalata, kingfish ceviche and ‘moules frites’ (mussels in garlic butter with shoestring fries).

Main dishes included a variety of pastas as well as meat and fish-based meals.