Why one of Melbourne’s top restaurant empires just put another company into liquidation
Celebrity chef Scott Pickett’s restaurant empire is facing significant financial distress, with eight companies now in liquidation. The collapse is largely attributed to millions in unpaid tax debts, following the closure of his fine-dining venue, Matilda.
Why it matters
The collapse highlights the ongoing economic pressures and insolvency risks facing the hospitality industry in Australia.
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Share A A A A company tied to top chef Scott Pickett collapsed under the weight of a $2.3 million tax debt just weeks after he closed one of his fine-dining venues.
Nord Arc Hospitality, a company set up to pay the employees working across Pickett’s restaurants, entered liquidation in mid-September.
Scott Pickett at Matilda restaurant before it was closed. Marija Ercegovac Another five companies associated with Pickett also appointed liquidators this month as part of the celebrity chef’s restructure of his debt-stricken restaurant empire.
The move took the number of Pickett businesses in liquidation to eight.
Nord Arc Hospitality was set up in August 2025. A month later, Pickett’s other company that serviced staff wages, SP Group Services, entered administration after drowning in debts.
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