Calia Australia, which operates Calia venues at the Emporium on Lonsdale Street and Chadstone, appointed voluntary administrators on June 28, according to documents listed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Puzzle Coffee, which has four cafes across Melbourne’s CBD and links to Calia, also entered administration the same day.
Jirsch Sutherland partner Glenn Crisp confirmed the practice had been appointed as the administrator of both businesses.
Calia Australia was co-founded by Jason Chang and Ricky Thien in 2016.
Chang, who is also a City of Melbourne councillor, took to social media to inform customers of the difficulties facing the business two weeks ago.
“I tried to be strong for the community and my team but it has taken a huge toll on my mental health and family,” Chang said.
“In the end I am human, we are all human.
“Like many other struggling small business owners in Melbourne, my own hospitality businesses have been faced with many financial challenges with the rise of operational costs.”
A Calia and Puzzle…
