Thursday 24 November 2022 12:59 AM Bel & Brio owner Mark Richerdson to manage Sydney gay nightclub ARQ trends now
An embattled businessman who former staff claim built a 'toxic culture' at his now shuttered restaurant is behind the reopening of one of Australia's most iconic gay clubs.
Mark Richerdson, 38, had owned Italian restaurant Bel & Brio in Barangaroo, in Sydney's CBD, before the business was forcibly closed last month owing $1.8million to Lendlease in unpaid rent.
Three ex-employees at the high-end venue spoke to Daily Mail Australia and claimed they waited months to be reimbursed after being put on the minimum wage during Covid.
An email, seen by this publication, that Mr Richerdson sent to staff claimed the workers would be paid the difference 'once we get back on our feet'.
'We are definitely worried for future staff working for him because we believe he'll keep doing the same as he did to staff at Bel & Brio,' a former staffer said.
The ex-staffers claim they are also still waiting on superannuation after not being paid any for months and claim the environment at Bel & Brio was 'toxic'.
But the forced closure of Bel & Brio has done little to quell Mr Richerdson's business appetite, with the 38-year-old kicking off a new venture this week and becoming the owner of the iconic Oxford Street nightclub ARQ in Darlinghurst, Sydney.
Mark Richerdson had owned Italian restaurant Bel & Brio in Barangaroo, in Sydney's CBD, before the business was closed last month after owing $1.8million to Lendlease in unpaid rent
The club closed during Covid and was listed for $50million in September 2021, but will welcome back revellers next month under the direction of Mr Richerdson and his company Kings Experience PTY LTD.
One staff member for Kings Experience had to remove a Facebook post about the venue hiring staff on Wednesday night after it was inundated with negative comments from former Bel & Brio workers.
'To the owner of this new ''exciting'' venue, could you kindly pay your previous company's employees wages, superannuation and tips. Myself and all the staff at Bel & Brio are waiting for this!' one comment read.
Another person warned potential ARQ applicants to research the downfall of Mr Richerdson's former business.
He has reportedly spent $4million on the deal which saw him revamp the nightclub, and will also manage the neighbouring Bodyline Sauna.
Former Bel & Brio staff spoke to Daily Mail Australia and claimed they were left in the
