World record-breaking Wellington eatery goes into liquidation

Monday, 14 April 2025

Wellington's hospitality scene has been taking a bit of a beating, so The Post talked to some of the city's long-standing cafes and restaurants to see what keeps them going.

Wilson Barbecue has gone into liquidation owing more than $600,000 to the IRD.

The eatery ceased trading on April 1 due to an inability to meet their current debt levels.

In 2024, the eatery broke the world record for the most burgers sold in one day.

A Wellington restaurant that broke the Guinness World Record for selling the most burgers in one day has gone into liquidation.

Wilson Barbecue ceased trading on April 1 after four-and-a-half years owing more than $600k to the IRD.

The first liquidators report into the eatery’s closure revealed the company was placed into liquidation due to their inability to meet debts as they fell due.

This led to “diminishing cash flow,” liquidators PWC said.

The report said the insolvency resulted from the “current economic environment in the food retail industry”.

Currently the IRD is owed $644,192 from the company Wilson Barbecue Ltd, with liquidators expecting this amount to increase.

All wages have been paid to the eateries 15 staff, but $17,781 is owed in holiday pay entitlements.

After nine years of serving Wellington, Egmont St Deli & Diner is closing its doors, yet another indicator of the constant blows hitting the city’s hospitality industry.

Around 75 unsecured creditors are owed $297,372. They include ANZ, Coca-Cola Amatil, DB Breweries, and Contact Energy.

Owned by Blair and Casey Wilson, Wilson Barbecue began as a food truck in 2018 before expanding into three restaurants from 2021.

They made headlines in 2024 for their world record attempt for the most burgers sold in a day, which they beat.

They managed to sell 6336 burgers in a 15-hour period, all in the name of charity - the event managed to raise over $10,000 for Porirua charity WELLfed.

Wilson Barbecue started as a food truck in 2018.

Wilson Barbecue operated eateries in Johnsonville, Willis Lane, and Porirua.

Wellington’s hospitality industry has been under financial strife over the last year, with multiple bars and restaurants closing their doors.

Among the notable names to close have included award winning bakery Myrtle, Cuba Street cafe Olive, and Burmese restaurant Mabel’s.

In December, The Restaurant Association’s 2024 report said there was an 8% recovery in the last quarter in Wellington, although this was partially offset by a year on year decline of 1.5% in sales.

Association figures also showed restaurants and café sales were down 2.5% from the previous year.

The downturn in customer numbers was identified by 38% of association members as their biggest concern.

Mass jobs cuts in the public sector, combined with a high cost of living and high interest rates has been blamed for a decline in people eating out in the capital.