A popular hatted Melbourne restaurant has collapsed into voluntary administration.
The future of cult Italian joint 1800 Lasagne now remains unknown after owners shared a “heartfelt message” informing customers it had appointed liquidators.
“We are working closely with the administration team to streamline and re-structure our model to ensure we take the best steps while moving forward,” the owners said in a post on Instagram.
The future of cult Italian joint 1800 Lasagne now remains unknown. (Instagram/@1800lasagne)
“Our loyal suppliers and our beloved staff are and will continue to be our highest priority through this process.
“1800 Lasagne has always been about people, passion and plates of love – and that hasn’t changed.”
The owners said trading and delivery hours remain unchanged as administrators took control of the restaurant.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver at 1800 Lasagne in Melbourne with owner Joey Kellock and Georgia Puttock. (Instagram)
They urged customers to keep patronising its High Street location in Thornbury in Melbourne’s north-east.
“Please come and visit our incredible staff for dinner, takeaway, or a drink at the bar and help us get through this exciting but challenging time,” the message ended.
1800 Lasagne first opened its doors as a delivery service during the city’s long COVID-19 lockdowns.
Owner Joey Kellock ran the business out of his home kitchen and served up home-style Italian food to customers from his car as the pandemic raged on.
True to its name, the restaurant’s hero dish of lasagne fast became a cult favourite among locals.
It soon became Melbourne’s first-ever hatted lasagne restaurant and even scored a visit from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver when he visited Victoria.
1800 Lasagne’s doors will remain open as liquidators assess its financial situation.
Dining and Cooking