Damien Brabender of OTIS Dining Hall is regretfully selling his restaurant. Photo: Supplied.
When Canberra chef and restaurateur Damien Brabender set off to pick up his restaurant’s fish order on an ordinary day last November, he had no idea that his life was about to change. An unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured driver hit the car he was travelling in, resulting in devastating injuries. After seven months of cooking on crutches, he is hanging up his apron and putting his beloved OTIS Dining Hall up for sale.
Speaking with Region, Damien said he has tried his best to keep going, but ultimately, this decision has been made for him.
“My surgeon has recommended I shouldn’t be working, but if I chose to, I must limit duties and hours and not walk long distances.”
The car accident broke his hip and part of the bone collapsed in on itself. The blood supply to his leg is now compromised and the bone has started to die, so no matter how much Damien wants to keep working, he simply can’t.
OTIS Dining Hall owner and chef Damian Brabender says it’s consumer confidence that is key to an economic recovery. Photo: Megan Evans Photography.
When faced with the choice of hiring someone to run his restaurant or selling the business entirely, Damien decided that selling was a better option.
“Having someone else run your business for you requires a humungous amount of trust, and at the end of the day, they will do a better job if it’s their own business.
“I’m hoping to find a passionate and driven operator – from the kitchen or the bar – who has a real love for hospitality and wants to put their stamp on what’s become a Canberra institution.”
Damien opened OTIS Dining Hall nine years ago, and it has become a mainstay of Canberra’s culinary scene, particularly during the Winter truffle season.
It’s bittersweet to be announcing the sale in the lead up to OTIS’s busiest period, but Damien is hoping to see plenty of old faces before he hands over the keys to the new owner.
The restaurant has withstood the worst impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns and cost-of-living crises, emerging as a profitable business on the other side. The sale is an incredible opportunity for someone to take on an established restaurant at a low price- the venue has been valued much higher than the $100,000 asking price, but Damien said he wants it to be accessible.
“Chefs don’t have the money to pay $800k for a restaurant. We haven’t put a ‘reduced to clear’ sticker on it, we’ve just made it available for people who have the skills and passion to run it.”
OTIS remains open (with limited capacity) and Damien hopes customers will come in and enjoy truffle season before he sells. Photo: Megan Evans Photography.
Damien isn’t looking for someone to keep the restaurant exactly as it is; he’d be happy to see it develop into a steakhouse, a pasta restaurant, or something else.
“I just hope that in five or 10 years’ time, I’ll be able to come in and dine with family and friends.
“But I hope they keep the pepper steak on the menu, or else there may be a riot!”
The results of Damien’s upcoming surgery will determine his mobility and, therefore, his future in the industry. He’s taking some time to consider exactly what else might be on the horizon.
For now, diners are encouraged to come in and enjoy truffle season at OTIS. Seats are limited to accommodate Damien’s injury, so bookings are essential, but the restaurant will continue to operate until a buyer is found.
OTIS Dining Hall is located at 29 Jardine Street, Kingston. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 6 pm until late. Book online and follow Otis on Facebook or Instagram. View the listing for OTIS Dining Hall.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.
