27/10/2025
Dear friends,
We're heartbroken to share that ichigล is closed until further notice due to what we believe is an unlawful lockout by our landlord, even though our rent has been fully paid and up to date.
We arrived early this morning, 27 October 2025, to the shock of finding that the locks had been changed, leaving us unable to access our shop. Our perishable goods, food prep, shop fit-out, equipment, and more are all at risk, and sadly, we've had to cancel all our reservations.
This lockout occurred while the matter is already under formal dispute with the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC), the government body that helps small businesses and landlords resolve issues fairly. Despite this, we believe the landlord has bypassed the protections of the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic), and acted unilaterally outside the legal process. Our understanding is that such self-help actions are not permitted under Victorian retail lease law.
To clarify, the dispute arose after the landlord insisted we back pay a unilateral 33.3% rent increase, as a condition for granting us our new lease, which we contest. To date, we have never missed a single rent payment and have consistently negotiated in good faith towards a fair new lease, with any new rent to commence only from the start of a new signed lease.
Under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic), and in the absence of a S64 notice, our position is that we remain lawful continuing tenants who have always fulfilled our obligations and paid our rent in full under the last agreed terms. For the landlord to proceed with such action has not only placed our small business in jeopardy, but has also deeply affected our team's livelihood and the community who rely on us every day. We are following the proper legal process and doing everything we can within the law to resolve this.
For now, our hearts are heavy. Ichigล has been our life's work since 2017 - a place built with love, laughter, and countless memories shared with you all. Your warmth and support have always given us strength, and we're holding onto that now more than ever.
Thank you for your kindness, patience, and encouragement during this painful time.
With love,
๐
![ichi-rashi ใใกใใ ๐๐ฅขpictured above - seasonal fresh sashimi [salmon, tuna, kingfish, hotate], aburi salmon belly, ikura, p...](https://img3.restaurants10.org/806/006/1140743928060061.jpg)
