Brisbane steakhouse BOS collapses into liquidation as possible insolvent trading flagged
A liquidator is combing through the wreckage of Brisbane steakhouse BOS after the up-market Queen Street venue folded into liquidation, with debts nearing $1 million before its closure.
Melbourne celebrity chef Adrian Richardson shut BOS in February this year, telling the paper that taxes and Brisbane's sluggish night-time economy had proven too much for the business. Richardson had already resigned as a director in 2024, the same year the company went through a formal restructuring process while carrying $992,873 in debts.
Creditors, including tradespeople, butchers and landlord Dexus (owed $160,000), recovered just 17 cents in the dollar from that restructure.
The business has now entered liquidation, owing a further $55,000 to 12 unsecured creditors, according to a report lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) by liquidator Roland Robson, who flagged "possible insolvent trading".
BOS's third partner, hospitality figure Chris Higgins, had already resigned in 2023, ahead of the financial trouble.
ASIC filings show business partner Liam McMahon, managing partner of Brisbane law firm Enyo Lawyers, stepped down as sole director just six days before the liquidator was appointed, with 25-year-old Hamish McDonald taking over as director.
ASIC records show McMahon, 44, has previously served as co-director of two other companies that have also since failed, owing a combined total of just over $1 million. McMahon had resigned from both up to a year before their collapse. Liquidator Travis Pullen lodged reports in both cases citing possible insolvent trading, but no further action followed.
McMahon told Citybeat his role in the companies was "usually in a supporting role", and that he did not draw director's fees or wages from any of them.
"As a lawyer, my professional advice around governance and other legal matters is a regular occurrence," he said. "I'm unable to comment on anything that has occurred after my time being involved with the companies, which in most cases was a long time ago."
BOS is one of a string of hospitality venues to close their doors so far this year, as the sector continues to grapple with challenging trading conditions.
Jonathan Jackson, 3rd August 2026
