High-Profile Sydney Venue Comedor Closes Abruptly, Now Up for Sale
The Newtown property, once a rising star in the culinary scene, faces a market listing following controversy and operational challenges.
The prominent Newtown venue, Comedor, has been placed on the market just three months after its unexpected closure, a development attributed to discord between the owner and staff.
Housed in a refurbished, century-old industrial warehouse previously serving as the Colonial Textile Manufacturing Company headquarters, Comedor opened its doors in July 2024, with head chef Alejandro Huerta at the helm.
The restaurant gained immediate recognition, nominated for the best restaurant design at the 2024 Eat Drink Design Awards and winning one hat in the 2024 Good Food Australia Awards shortly after its launch.
However, Comedor's operational stability was jeopardized amid allegations against owner Walter Shellshear, which included claims of inappropriate behavior.
Shellshear has firmly denied these allegations.
Prior to its closure, the restaurant was on track for significant financial performance, forecasting $4 million in annual revenue with projections suggesting potential sales could reach $7 million.
The property is currently being marketed on an 'as is, where is' basis, with real estate firm Colliers representing the owner, who has a cost base of $6.5 million and is prepared to sell.
Meanwhile, the annual _Shopping Centre News_ awards, known as the Big Guns 2025, took place in Sydney, illustrating robust activity in Australia's retail sector.
Vicinity Centre’s Chadstone shopping centre was recognized for achieving the highest annual sales at $2.5 billion, despite a 7 percent drop in turnover compared to the previous year.
Michael Lloyd, publisher of _Shopping Centre News_, noted that the majority of major shopping centres with a gross lettable area exceeding 50,000 square metres reported sales increases.
Westfield centres, operated by Scentre Group, were dominant in the event, with twelve centres among the Top 20 rankings.
Notably, Melbourne Central achieved the highest sales per square metre at $18,218, a key profitability metric for landlords.
In construction news, global contractor Multiplex has celebrated a significant milestone in building the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, recently topping out the structure, which stands at 51 metres.
Developed in collaboration with Health Infrastructure NSW and Hunter New England Local Health District, the new facility will expand the existing John Hunter hospital, which is one of the busiest in New South Wales.
The project introduces a new Acute Services Building, adding 40,000 square metres of clinical space, alongside features such as a double rooftop helipad.
Additionally, the Tower Estate, a prominent wine estate founded by Len Evans AO in 1999, is now up for sale with expectations around the $30 million mark.
Currently owned by local winemakers Michael and Karen Hope, the estate includes the Tower Lodge, a recently renovated luxury accommodation and restaurant, and the Tower Whiskey Distillery, which commenced operations in 2023. The expansive 16.1-hectare property offers 14 luxury suites and a variety of wellness amenities, with plans in place for possible expansion of guest accommodations, subject to appropriate planning consent.
The sale is being managed by CBRE Hotels.
Housed in a refurbished, century-old industrial warehouse previously serving as the Colonial Textile Manufacturing Company headquarters, Comedor opened its doors in July 2024, with head chef Alejandro Huerta at the helm.
The restaurant gained immediate recognition, nominated for the best restaurant design at the 2024 Eat Drink Design Awards and winning one hat in the 2024 Good Food Australia Awards shortly after its launch.
However, Comedor's operational stability was jeopardized amid allegations against owner Walter Shellshear, which included claims of inappropriate behavior.
Shellshear has firmly denied these allegations.
Prior to its closure, the restaurant was on track for significant financial performance, forecasting $4 million in annual revenue with projections suggesting potential sales could reach $7 million.
The property is currently being marketed on an 'as is, where is' basis, with real estate firm Colliers representing the owner, who has a cost base of $6.5 million and is prepared to sell.
Meanwhile, the annual _Shopping Centre News_ awards, known as the Big Guns 2025, took place in Sydney, illustrating robust activity in Australia's retail sector.
Vicinity Centre’s Chadstone shopping centre was recognized for achieving the highest annual sales at $2.5 billion, despite a 7 percent drop in turnover compared to the previous year.
Michael Lloyd, publisher of _Shopping Centre News_, noted that the majority of major shopping centres with a gross lettable area exceeding 50,000 square metres reported sales increases.
Westfield centres, operated by Scentre Group, were dominant in the event, with twelve centres among the Top 20 rankings.
Notably, Melbourne Central achieved the highest sales per square metre at $18,218, a key profitability metric for landlords.
In construction news, global contractor Multiplex has celebrated a significant milestone in building the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, recently topping out the structure, which stands at 51 metres.
Developed in collaboration with Health Infrastructure NSW and Hunter New England Local Health District, the new facility will expand the existing John Hunter hospital, which is one of the busiest in New South Wales.
The project introduces a new Acute Services Building, adding 40,000 square metres of clinical space, alongside features such as a double rooftop helipad.
Additionally, the Tower Estate, a prominent wine estate founded by Len Evans AO in 1999, is now up for sale with expectations around the $30 million mark.
Currently owned by local winemakers Michael and Karen Hope, the estate includes the Tower Lodge, a recently renovated luxury accommodation and restaurant, and the Tower Whiskey Distillery, which commenced operations in 2023. The expansive 16.1-hectare property offers 14 luxury suites and a variety of wellness amenities, with plans in place for possible expansion of guest accommodations, subject to appropriate planning consent.
The sale is being managed by CBRE Hotels.
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