Acclaimed Brisbane restaurant announces unexpected closure after 14 years: ‘Worst news ever’

One of Brisbane’s most celebrated dining institutions has announced it will close its doors for good, leaving loyal customers devastated and marking the end of an era for the city’s food scene.

Gerard’s Restaurant, the acclaimed Middle Eastern-inspired venue on the fashionable James Street precinct in Fortitude Valley, will serve its final diners on July 4 after 14 years in business.

The shock announcement was shared via social media, with the restaurant reflecting on its remarkable journey and thanking the customers, chefs and hospitality workers who helped shape its legacy.

Widely regarded as one of Brisbane’s most influential restaurants, Gerard’s built a reputation for its innovative approach to Middle Eastern cuisine and played a significant role in elevating the city’s dining scene onto the national stage.

According to reporting by The Brisbane Times, owner Johnny Moubarak told staff of the decision earlier this month and said the closure was not driven by any single issue.

The restaurateur told the publication that while hospitality has faced challenging conditions in recent years, the restaurant had continued trading relatively well.

‘It’s been 14 years and I’ve had an amazing run,’ Moubarak said when interviewed for the piece.

‘I have worked with some superstars. But I have other interests, and when the opportunity came up, we’d maybe been turning it over for a while and I think it was time.’

Gerard’s Restaurant, the acclaimed Middle Eastern-inspired venue on the fashionable James Street precinct in Fortitude Valley, will serve its final diners on July 4 after 14 years in business

The shock announcement was shared via social media, with the restaurant reflecting on its remarkable journey and thanking the customers, chefs and hospitality workers who helped shape its legacy

He added that he was looking forward to stepping back from the industry after decades in hospitality.

‘For me, it’s all about taking a break. I have so many things going on, I just need to park hospitality for a bit. It’s like emptying the trash and updating the operating system,’ he told the publication.

The announcement sparked an outpouring of emotion from diners who described the closure as a significant loss for Brisbane.

‘Sad news to read! End of an era,’ one customer commented.

‘So many great memories were made there. Bravo on a long period of excellence. Bittersweet indeed but so much pride and admiration for all you achieved.’

‘You must be very proud of everything you have done. The amazing food, wine and service that we have been so fortunate that you have shared with us,’ another wrote.

‘Sad news. It’s one of my Brissie go-to spots and has been consistently excellent over the years,’ a third added.

Others described the venue as a favourite destination, with one saying: ‘A loss for Brisbane. I’ve been there many times over the years. A consistently good restaurant, great food and ALWAYS lovely service.’

According to reporting by The Brisbane Times, owner Johnny Moubarak told staff of the decision earlier this month and said the closure was not driven by any single issue

The announcement sparked an outpouring of emotion from diners who described the closure as a significant loss for Brisbane. ‘Sad news to read! End of an era,’ one customer commented

‘It’s a great reminder to not take your local greats for granted. They won’t be around forever,’ another wrote.

The restaurant first opened in 2012 and quickly established itself as one of Brisbane’s standout dining destinations.

Founded by brothers Johnny and Elie Moubarak, Gerard’s drew heavily on the family’s Lebanese heritage and the hospitality values instilled by their mother, Salwa Moubarak, whose cooking and generosity became a key source of inspiration for the venue’s menu and ethos.

Over the years, the restaurant evolved through several distinct chapters.

Under chef Ben Williamson, Gerard’s became known for its fire-driven cooking style and helped position Brisbane as a serious dining destination nationally.

Following Williamson’s departure in 2018, acclaimed chef Adam Wolfers ushered in a new era focused on plant-based dishes and innovative menu concepts, including the venue’s popular takeaway offerings during the pandemic.

More recently, the restaurant underwent a major refurbishment in 2023, introducing striking rammed-earth interiors inspired by the ancient architecture of the Levant while retaining the venue’s signature warmth and sense of hospitality.

Despite its enduring popularity, Moubarak told The Times the timing simply felt right.

‘I have to stop. I haven’t stopped for 30 years,’ he said, reflecting on the decision he described it as both emotional but necessary.

‘It’s a little sad. It’s bittersweet. But it’s the right time,’ he added.