The story of George Calombaris’ restaurant empire is more than just a tale of success and collapse—it's a compelling saga filled with triumphs, controversies, and lessons for aspiring restaurateurs. But here's where it gets controversial: many wonder what truly remains of his once-thriving hospitality business, especially given the dramatic changes since its heyday. So, let’s take a closer look at where his major venues are now, how his empire unraveled, and what the landscape looks like in 2026.
The Rise, Fall, and Aftermath of MAdE Establishment
George Calombaris shot to fame in the Australian hospitality scene with his energetic personality and innovative Greek-inspired cuisine. At its peak, his group, MAdE Establishment, managed over 20 dining venues across Melbourne and Sydney. The empire’s foundation was built on iconic restaurants like The Press Club and a portfolio of other popular outlets.
But everything changed after the scandal in 2019-2020, which revealed widespread underpayment of staff, culminating in the company entering voluntary administration in February 2020. This financial and reputational blow was compounded by a scandal involving a $7.8 million underpayment, tainting the brand’s reputation and leading to the closure or rebranding of many properties. The aftermath of this collapse reshaped the landscape of Calombaris’ business interests. Today, the most notable story isn’t just his television appearances or public persona but rather the fate of his restaurant locations.
Major Venues Post-Collapse: What Became of Them?
Below is a detailed overview of some of the most prominent sites and how they have transformed in the aftermath of the collapse:
The Press Club / Elektra (Melbourne CBD)
Located on Flinders Street, this was Calombaris’ flagship restaurant when he first launched The Press Club in 2000. It quickly gained national recognition and numerous awards for its innovative approach.
In 2019, the venue was rebranded as Elektra in an attempt to lower costs and attract a broader clientele. However, it ultimately closed in 2020 following the company’s financial troubles. Today, the space houses Elchi, an Indian restaurant that preserves much of the original interior design, symbolizing a subtle nod to the past amidst new ownership. Unfortunately, this prime CBD property was one of several lost leases during the downfall.
Jimmy Grants
This was Calombaris’ venture into fast casual dining, focused on serving authentic Greek souvlaki in high-traffic locations throughout Melbourne and Sydney. Starting in the early 2010s, Jimmy Grants expanded rapidly, with outlets in places like Fitzroy, Richmond, and the Sydney suburbs of Newtown and Bondi.
When the company faced administration in 2020, most Jimmy Grants stores shut immediately, affecting around 400 employees. In the subsequent sale process, some locations, like those in Emporium Melbourne and Fitzroy, were purchased and converted into other brands, such as Hella Good, a quick-service souvlaki concept by Stalactites Group.
Most other Jimmy Grants outlets either remained vacant or disappeared altogether, marking the end of this chapter in Calombaris’ restaurant ventures. The brand has effectively been dismantled, although some prime storefronts are now part of different hospitality concepts.
Hellenic Republic - Brunswick & Kew
The Brunswick venue, opened in 2014, was one of the largest and busiest Hellenic Republics, designed for high-volume dining. It was a significant part of Calombaris’ suburban expansion but closed in 2020 during the pandemic.
The Kew site, which opened in 2011 and was renowned for hosting events like Married At First Sight parties, was rebranded as Vita Ristorante in 2019—near the end of the company’s rise. Post-collapse, the space was taken over by Joe Vargetto of Mister Bianco fame, who turned it into Bianchetto, a wine and cocktail bar. Both these venues continue to operate, illustrating resilience amidst upheaval.
Hotel Argentina & Brighton
The Williamstown Hotel Argentina, originally part of Calombaris’ portfolio, was rebranded from a historic pub in 2019 but closed before the group’s collapse. It was later reopened as Hobsons Bay Hotel, a modern Australian gastropub, and continues to run as of 2026.
Similarly, Hellenic Republic’s Brighton venue, opened in 2016, ceased operation in 2020 and was replaced by Waterfront Brighton, a seafood-focused restaurant that remains active today.
Gazi (Sydney)
Gazi Sydney represented Calombaris’ effort to replicate Melbourne’s success in New South Wales. Located in Surry Hills, it was heavily promoted but shut down during the 2020 administrative phase. The space was absorbed into Sydney’s competitive dining scene, but the Gazi brand no longer operates in NSW—highlighting the challenges of expanding interstate.
The Only Surviving Venture: The Hellenic House Project
In 2022, Calombaris made a comeback with the Hellenic House Project in Highett. Unlike his previous extensive expansion, this is a single-site restaurant, reflecting a more cautious approach after the empire’s collapse. As of 2026, it remains his only active hospitality enterprise—serving as his personal base and a symbol of resilience.
Final Thoughts & Food for Thought
George Calombaris’ restaurant journey is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the hospitality world. His empire’s rise and fall offer lessons on management, reputation, and the importance of ethical practices. But here’s a provocative question for you: given the current state of his ventures, do you believe the restaurant industry can recover from such scandals, or is this a cautionary tale of hubris and mismanagement?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—are we witnessing a comeback story or the final chapter?
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