The Greek Australian chef announced the launch of a new venture this week, inviting people to cook under his guidance using curated meal boxes delivered to their homes.
Highlights
- George Calombaris’ newest cooking venture will see his popular recipes and tips disseminated, with ingredients’ boxes delivered to peoples’ doors to prepare meals following his instructions.
- It follows the chef’s ‘how to’ video series posted on Instagram since COVID-19 restrictions were first imposed.
- The move marks Calombaris’ first business initiative after his restaurant empire went into voluntary administration in February 2020.
The first week promises aspiring cooks a taste of Greek cuisine, featuring popular dishes from Calombaris’ former ‘Hellenic’ restaurant.
Since coronavirus ‘stay at home’ restrictions were first imposed, the chef started sharing tips and recipes for those stuck at home during lockdown, through his Instagram ‘how to’ video series hosted in his kitchen.
The videos gained traction reportedly paving the way to the new business initiative.
“It’s a tough time in the entire world and I think it’s important that we all stick together and stay united to get through this[…]If I can get into your houses over the next couple of months to help you guys get through this, with delicious food, we’re all gonna win,” Calombaris says in a video posted in late March.
The video starts with a thank you message to all those who supported during challenging times.
Following the $7.8 million wage controversy, with staff of his company Made Establishment found to be owed wages and superannuation for the period 2011-2017, Calombaris was under the spotlight again in February 2020 when his restaurants went into voluntary administration.
Around 400 company employees lost their job, while, according to documents submitted to administrators, Made Establishment’s total debt amounted to $22.3m, with approximately $8.8m. owed to the lender bank.
