Chinta Blues, the St Kilda institution at the corner of Acland and Jackson streets, will serve its last laksa and satay this Sunday afternoon after 18 years in business.
Manager Tommy Gan has worked at the buzzing indoor-outdoor Malaysian restaurant for the past 14 years after starting as a part-timer. He said staff learned yesterday that the three owners of the business had been unable to renegotiate their lease at the site. The final service will be on Sunday.
“It's been quite emotional,” he said.
The restaurant is part of the Prince of Wales hotel complex, which was overhauled by the van Haandel brothers in 1996. Some of the hospitality businesses within the complex were sold to new operators in 2011 but John and Lisa van Haandel retained the freehold.
When contacted by goodfood.com.au John van Haandel said he was unable to comment on the Chinta Blues lease, or on what might replace it.
Chinta Blues was established in 1996 by jazz-loving restaurateur Simon Goh, who later sold it. Goh is the founder of a string of Melbourne and Sydney Malaysian restaurants under the Chinta banner, some of which he still owns.
Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.
Sign up