From restaurant empire to fire sale; the Becasse liquidation sell-off is underway.
Liquidators Ferrier Hodgson have cleaned out the fine diner’s wine cellar, unplugged the appliances and emptied the pantry. Everything — from Krug Champagne to packs of cheap plastic glasses — is being auctioned on GraysOnline.
When the virtual hammer falls at 9pm tonight the amount raised will make only a small dent in the $4.3 million that the North’s businesses — owned by celebrity chef Justin North and his wife Georgia – owed to over 200 creditors and 180 staff when they were placed into liquidation in July.
A bottle of Krug Clos-du-Mensil Blanc de Blancs (1998) and a bottle of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru (2003) are currently vying for the top liquor sales spot having each attracted a bid of $709. They have attracted 61 bids and 100 bids respectively.
Other wine ‘lots’ in the bargain basement sell-off have attracted bids under $10. There are around 300 wine and Champagne ‘lots’ up for grabs.
A Fagor stainless steel commercial drinks fridge has so far attracted the highest bid of $869. Other catering equipment, including electric blenders to skillets and cake rings, cartons of Riedel glasses, assorted cookbooks and collections of gourmet produce are also being auctioned off.
A spokesman for Ferrier Hodgson said the liquidators were playing a “minor role” at this stage. “It’s some residual plant and equipment, it isn’t anything extensive in that online sale.” Read the full report here.
The contrast between this and your previoius post is very stark – $700 bottles of champers!
Indeed. I like to cover all food-related angles! Those bottles of champers got bids nearer the $900 mark by mid afternoon – but i didn’t see what the final bids were. Thanks for dropping by.
That’s such a shame about the Becasse empire. I guess they were too ambitious with their expansions?
I think you just hit the nail on the head. Thanks for dropping by.
It is so sad. i feel for the North’s. There was just way too much going on though!
Yes, an expansion that got out of control, perhaps. Thanks for dropping by.