De Bernales placed in liquidation as creditors chase their money, but doors remain open for customers

A popular Kalgoorlie eatery and bar has gone into liquidation, with the future of the business being explored as at least 50 creditors seek to get their money back. De Bernales staff remain employed and the doors to the Hannan Street business are still open, with liquidators Rodgers Reidy appointed to try to get money back for creditors from both Debos and the Park Street Charlotte House accommodation run by director Luciano Vecchio. It comes after the Australian Taxation Office launched the petition, with an administrator first being appointed on Monday, and the liquidator appointed by the court on Tuesday. A spokesperson for Rodgers Reidy told the Kalgoorlie Miner it was committed to keeping the doors open, with plans to re-evaluate the future of the business in the New Year. He said Mr Vecchio — who declined to comment when the Kalgoorlie Miner contacted him on Friday — continued to work at the business in a manager-type capacity, and it would be “business as usual” for customers. “We have undertaken a preliminary assessment and with the assistance of the director and the staff, which we’re very grateful for, the business will continue to operate,” he said. “We’ll be monitoring it constantly, just to make sure that it’s washing its face, so to speak, but the idea is we will continue with our investigation and assessment and make a bit more of a formal strategy in the New Year. “At this stage ... we continue to operate the business under our supervision and will be staying open. So we want customers to come in and enjoy the hospitality and have a good Christmas.” The spokesman said the assessment would look to getting everything “fixed and back on an even keel”, with assets recovered to then distribute to creditors who are owed money. “We’re assessing what the situation is on a financial basis to determine what’s the best way to get the best result for creditors,” he said. “Our job is to get the money back for creditors, and we think at this stage trading on Hannan Street with the restaurant is the best outcome. “Plus, we’re aware there’s lots of bookings and Christmas functions coming up. We don’t really want to not have people enjoy their Christmas break.” One of the creditors owed more than $100,000 is Dean Petrie of Aspect Solutions, who says he is owed money for renovation works and cleaning conducted at the accommodation site. Mr Petrie said he had been pursuing legal action to recover the money owed to him prior to finding out the business was in liquidation.