In a statement released today, Matt and co-owner Bruce Soloman said: ‘After 10 amazing years, we will be closing Aria Brisbane and serving our last guests on Saturday, 15 June.
‘For the past decade, Aria has been at the forefront of dining in the magnificent city of Brisbane and as we know, all good things must come to an end. And for us, with our current lease ending in June, that time is now.
‘We have been privileged to have so many wonderful loyal guests, shared so many special occasions and milestones with you all and had the pleasure of working with such a brilliant and dedicated team.
‘We want to thank our loyal guests, the City of Brisbane and our incredible staff for embracing us and helping to create one of the city’s most sought after dining experiences.’
The closure tops off an enviable run for the leading restaurant which has picked up more than 12 top awards in the past including Queensland Restaurant of the Year.
Masterchef fans, meanwhile, remember Matt as one of the founding stars of the series. He caused shockwaves when he walked out on the show, announcing his surprise departure before he’d even told Ten bosses.
‘I've come to the conclusion of three years of doing MasterChef I've decided I don't want to do it anymore, he told the Sunday Herald Sun.
‘I am not going to renew a contract with Ten, regardless of what they think. I haven't actually spoken to them. I've loved it, absolutely loved it, but it's time to move on.’
And now it seems he’s moving on again...
