Newcastle's best-known churrasco restaurant is closing its doors in October after more than a decade in business.
Diners have three months left to make a booking at MEET Restaurant on King Street. The final day of service is on Saturday, October 17.
MEET's ownership team said in a statement the decision reflects the reality facing many hospitality businesses across Australia.
"Like many hospitality businesses, we've felt the impact of rising food and operating costs. While our commitment to quality and genuine hospitality hasn't changed, the cost of delivering an all-you-can-eat churrasco experience has reached a point where it's no longer sustainable. Rather than compromise what MEET has always stood for, we've made the difficult decision to close this chapter and look ahead to what's next."
And although the announcement marks the end of an era, it is "far from goodbye".
While MEET will close, the King Street site won't stay quiet for long.
Following a short renovation period, the space will reopen as an entirely new concept that aligns more closely with sister venues Frenchie on Darby Street and Alfie's in New Lambton.
"Hospitality is constantly evolving. Throughout our journey, we've never been afraid to change, challenge ourselves or create something new, and that's exactly what we're doing again," the statement read.
"We're incredibly excited about what's next.
"While it's difficult to say goodbye to a restaurant that's meant so much to so many people, we're equally excited about creating something that reflects where we are today and where we're heading as a group.
"Closing one door allows us to open another. We're excited to keep investing in Newcastle and continue building on what we've created across King Street and Darby Street."
The business also confirmed that Charred, located alongside Frenchie on Darby Street, will continue to trade as normal, serving takeaway and quick dine-in lunch and dinner Wednesday through to Saturday.
To mark its final chapter, MEET will dedicate its remaining weeks of trade to the experience that defined the restaurant - its signature churrasco.
"Rather than winding down, we want to finish stronger than ever. We can't wait to welcome everyone back over the coming weeks to celebrate everything MEET has been."
Since opening its doors in 2015, MEET has introduced thousands of Novocastrians to Brazilian-inspired churrasco dining.
It relocated from Honeysuckle Drive to a larger premises on King Street in 2019, survived COVID-19 lockdowns and a kitchen fire in December 2023, and was briefly offered for sale in 2025 before being taken off the market.
"To every guest who has celebrated a birthday, anniversary, engagement, work lunch or Friday night with us over the past 11 years - thank you," the MEET team said.
"You've helped build something incredibly special. We'd love nothing more than to welcome you back one last time, raise a glass together and give MEET the send-off it deserves."
