Originally opened in 2018, and created from a love of cooking and passion for culture, Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant Mabu Mabu /Big Esso has officially closed its doors.
Founded by chef and member of the Komet Tribe of the Meriam people in the Torres Strait, Nornie Bero, Mabu Mabu was created from Bero's dream to make native ingredients the hero of the Australian kitchen.
From what started as Bero selling a range of homemade condiments and spices at South Melbourne Markets grew to become a popular restaurant that the general public and First Nations community enjoyed.
Translating to a saying in the Torres Strait that means 'help yourself', Mabu Mabu's name was infused with as much culture as its delicious dishes.
When speaking on the recent closure, Bero shared that whilst it is a sad end to a great and creative journey, she is proud of what the business and her staff have achieved and the overall level of representation the restaurant created for mob and Indigenous owners.
"It's with a heavy heart that I share the news of Mabu Mabu's closure. This has come as an overwhelming surprise to me, and I don't think any of us were prepared for such a sudden turn of events. We found out on Wednesday, and by Thursday, the doors were closed. It's been a shock to us all, myself and the staff included. The emotional toll has been immense for everyone involved," she said.
"We had a good run, and I am incredibly proud of everything we achieved over the years. Being part of such a vibrant community and having the privilege to showcase our message of bringing native Australian ingredients into the forefront of Australian cuisine has been an incredible journey. Mabu Mabu has always been a platform for celebrating indigenous foods, and we are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we received along the way."
"It is difficult to see everything come to such an abrupt end, especially after so many years of hard work. The dedication of our team, the support of our community, and the loyalty of our customers were central to the success of Mabu Mabu. Saying goodbye is heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by this unexpected closure," Bero said.
"As we move forward, we are currently in talks with the accountants and liquidators to understand the next steps. We are committed to ensuring that all of our staff, suppliers, and supporters receive what they are entitled to, and we are doing everything we can to manage the situation with care and transparency.
"Looking ahead, it's still unclear what the future holds for us. While we remain hopeful, I can't make any concrete plans at this time. We're working hard to understand where we stand and are taking things one step at a time. We are determined to learn from this experience, and, though I can't comment on specifics just yet, we hope to come back bigger and stronger in the future. For now, our priority is to resolve everything in front of us and ensure that we do right by everyone who has been part of Mabu Mabu."
Bero said she is grateful for the ongoing community support.
"This is my first time going through a situation like this, and I am learning as I go. No one wants to be in this position, but I am being guided by the accountants and liquidators as we navigate these next steps. I want to assure everyone that we are taking all necessary measures to honor our commitments to the team, the community, and everyone who has supported us," she said.
"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone for their understanding, patience, and continued support during this difficult time. My commitment to the vision of Mabu Mabu and to all those who have been a part of this journey remains unwavering."
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