On Friday February 28, the Age published an article that begins, “The iconic Waiters Restaurant on Meyers Place is up for sale.” News that the Melbourne institution was on the market surprised many, not least the restaurant’s owner-operators Denis and Sergio Sabbadini.

“When the Age wrote the article about us closing, I was quite shocked,” Denis tells Broadsheet. “I’m not going anywhere.”

While the building itself is for sale, the business is not. Denis says the day-to-day operations of the late-night spot that opened in 1947 as the Italian Waiter’s Club will “be the same as ever”. “The sign outside the building clearly says, ‘Business as usual’,” he adds.

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As a result of the article, Denis says he’s had calls from past customers, regulars and even students from his former teaching days, all making plans for “last meals” at the restaurant. Luckily, they’ve got plenty of time to book in, since the restaurant is staying open for the foreseeable future.

The Waiters Restaurant
20 Meyers Place, Melbourne
(03) 9650 1508

Hours:
Tue & Wed midday–3pm; 5.30pm–10pm
Thu & Fri midday–3pm; 5.30pm–10.30pm
Sat 5.30pm–10.30pm