Australia’s most famous chef Neil Perry announces shock retirement after 40 years behind the stove
- Rockpool Dining Group’s Neil Perry announced his retirement after 40 years
- The chef opened his first restaurant on Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach in 1986
- He revealed he is retiring to develop Hope Delivery, giving food to the poor
- Perry is known for Sydney stalwarts The Argle, Rockpool and El Camino Cantina
One of Australia’s most distinguished chefs, Nick Perry, has announced his retirement after 40 years feeding hungry diners at his celebrated restaurants.
Perry, 63, is stepping down from his role as the culinary director of Rockpool Dining Group, which owns Sydney stalwarts such as The Argyle, Rockpool and El Camino Cantina.
Perry opened his first restaurant, Blue Water Grill, on Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach in 1986 and immediately made a name for himself in the culinary world.
The company revealed Perry would remain as a majority shareholder but wants to focus on his charity, Hope Delivery initiative, which delivers meals for vulnerable people.
One of Australia’s most famous chefs Neil Perry (pictured) has announced his retirement after 40 years in order to build on his charitable pursuits
Perry is stepping down from his role as the culinary director of Rockpool Dining Group, which owns establishments such as Argyle, Rockpool (pictured) and El Camino Cantina
His retirement comes as several of the group’s restaurants reopened following the flattening of the coronavirus pandemic in New South Wales.
‘As the business now needs to embark on a new chapter it is time for a fresh start,’ Perry said.
‘It will never be easy to move on from the restaurants I founded, and I do so with a heavy heart.
‘But as the business and the sector set their sights on new beginnings, it is the right time for the next generation to have the opportunity afforded to me over 40 years ago.’
‘The Group has embarked on an amazing post-COVID recovery with fabulous re-opening results.
‘For now, I will throw my passion and effort into Hope Delivery, which supports those in need, as well as my other commitments.’
Several high-profile chefs and celebrities wished Perry the best on his new career and congratulated him on his 40-year success.
His retirement comes as several of the group’s restaurants reopen following the flattening of the coronavirus pandemic in New South Wales (pictured, The Argyle)
Several high-profile chefs and celebrities wished Perry (pictured) the best on his new endeavour and congratulated him on his 40-year career
Veteran chef Mark Best tweeted: ‘Bravo Chef. One of the greats. Australian cuisine wouldn’t be where it is without your prodigious talent and energy.’
Author Ros Reines said: ‘Congrats to Neil Perry on an outstanding career.
‘I still remember the excitement of going to Bluewater Grill at North Bondi and the sense of wonder and gratitude for the original Rockpool.
‘It was a new world of taste sensations with the space between the tables a runway.’
Restaurateur Luke Mangan called Perry ‘one of the best in the industry’, according to Good Food.
Thomas Pash, Rockpool Dining Group’s CEO, thanked Perry for his service and commitment to the company.
Thomas Pash, Rockpool Dining Group’s CEO, thanked Perry for his service and commitment to the company (pictured, El Camino Cantina)
‘Neil has been a driving force in the industry and has been key to the successful re-opening of our venues,’ Mr Pash said.
He said he was excited for the next chapter of Rockpool Dining Group’s future.
Good Food reported in 2018 that the Rockpool Dining Group had discovered staff were underpaid $1.6million.
The inconsistency was apparently uncovered after a review of the payroll.
The group said they would repay staff who were shorted.