Mehigan to fly the Fenix coop

After 13 years, chef and MasterChef judge Gary Mehigan has sold his Richmond restaurant, Fenix.

Mehigan, who also co-owns the Boathouse in Moonee Ponds with long-time business partner Steve Bogdani, has set up a catering business with Bogdani, along with the former general manager of RACV Healesville Country Club, Brett May, and chef Gary Farrell.

Called Big Kitchen Events, the company's first event was the launch of the fifth season of MasterChef. Group general manager Paul Romanella will leave Fenix to stay with Mehigan, as will current Fenix head chef Dan Schwarz.

Fenix has been bought by Hawthorn-based event business Leonda by the Yarra, which will close downstairs for at least three months, expanding it from 150 seats to a 250-seat venue. The upstairs restaurant will be closed in the new year for renovations. Settlement on the venue is July 1.

Hilary McNevin