Beloved Swan Valley restaurant closes without warning as it’s handed over to liquidators

A Swan Valley restaurant has suddenly closed, with the popular venue handed over to liquidators.

Family-owned and operated Oscar’s in the Valley announced last Tuesday that it would be ceasing operations “immediately”.

Justin Hughes, who owned the restaurant with his dad, Tony, said the business had been handed over to liquidators after a prolonged period of financial difficulty.

“We closed the business because it was no longer financially viable,” Mr Hughes told The West, adding that it had been “hugely disappointing”.

“We didn’t ever intend for it to end this way, we wanted to keep going well into the future,” he said.

Items from across the business’ product line to logistics and everyday running costs had all become more expensive in recent times, making it more difficult than ever to stay afloat.

Those pressures coupled with a reduction in disposable income for consumers had hit like a “double edged sword”, he said.

“It was a very difficult decision to close and one that had left my family and I very disappointed after putting everything we had into the restaurant.,” Mr Hughes said.

“Hospitality is an industry facing a lot of external pressures that are continuing to making it harder to succeed, particularly as a small independent business.”

Mr Hughes said despite the agonising situation, there was still plenty to feel grateful for.

“I am proud of what we achieved while we were open and very thankful for the opportunity to have worked alongside some amazing people,” he said.

“Thank you to all of our great customers and suppliers as well as Cameron Syme from Limeburners and Giniversity who as our landlord has been supportive and professional throughout this difficult time.”

He said he would now take time away from the industry and that he had no plan on returning to hospitality.

“So sorry to hear this sad news. You created a wonderful restaurant, with a warm and friendly atmosphere. You should all be very proud of making your mark on the Perth dining scene over the years,” one wrote in a comment.