High-end eatery at revamped Karrinyup shops suddenly closes

COVID has claimed another casualty, this time one of the foundation eateries in Karrinyup Shopping Centre’s much-lauded West Deck hospitality precinct.

Restaurant and bar Graze & Tipple made the shock announcement on its Facebook page on Monday night, saying the decision had been made “with great sadness”.

“We thank our wonderful customers for your support and the friendships we have formed,” the post read.

“Unfortunately Covid & other challengers (sic) beyond our control couldn’t make this dream come true.

“Support your favourite small business! It needs you.”

Management did not clarify what the “other challenges” were.

Graze & Tipple was one of the first restaurants to open as part of Karrinyup’s $800m renovation, promising to take the “deli and eatery experience to a more refined level”.

The closure comes just a week after the restaurant was named a finalist in two categories of the 2022 Gold Plate Awards: the new restaurant and new wave categories.

Warning signs that the restaurant was having difficulties can be seen in a number of Facebook posts. A week ago restaurant management announced it would be unable to open its doors that day because it could not find enough staff to work thanks to COVID and flu.

“Unfortunately we are short staffed due to Covid and the dreaded flu that never seems to go away ????!,” they wrote at the time.“We have a great team of hard-working people at G&T and we hope to back smiling and serving our valued customers real soon!”

Six weeks ago on its Facebook page, it was recruiting for a new staff member and 10 weeks ago it announced it was short staffed and had to reduce the size of its menu for two weeks.

Karrinyup’s West Deck precinct includes a line-up of local and national venues, including Good Company and acclaimed Asian-inspired restaurant Dandelion and Thai eatery Spice Market.

Graze & Tipple and Karrinyup Shopping Centre has been contacted for comment.