Fine diner Yakisan gets new majority owner after drug arrest

North Adelaide fine-diner Yakisan has a new majority owner, with 88 O'Connell developer Jamie McClurg lifting his stake in the venue just weeks after its former director was arrested on drug trafficking charges.

The new ownership structure will see McClurg's Family Office become the majority investor in the restaurant. The investment will also extend to sister venue Sani Bakehouse.

Head chef Brandon Grant will continue to lead the kitchen through the transition.

McClurg said the move reflected his confidence in the venue and its people.

"We believe in this venue, we believe in the team, and we believe in what Yakisan adds to 88 O'Connell and South Australia," he said.

"It's why we invested in the first place, and it's why we're now doubling down on that investment."

Yakisan is part of 88 O'Connell, the $300 million luxury apartment and retail development on the former Le Cornu site in North Adelaide, which was long vacant.

"When we were building 88 O'Connell, we were developing a project of significant scale and ambition for South Australia that was also about genuine connection," McClurg said.

"I was unapologetic about creating something that reflected the quality, vibrancy and sense of community I wanted to see in this part of Adelaide."

The ownership change follows the September arrest of former Yakisan director Nate Scutter, who was allegedly found with almost $100,000 worth of cocaine and a similar amount in cash. He was charged with 10 counts of trafficking in a controlled drug, two counts of money laundering, one count each of aggravated and basic possession of a firearm, and supplying or administering a drug to another person. He has since been removed from his position at the restaurant.

The McClurg Family Office portfolio also includes investments in film, property and infrastructure.

Jonathan Jackson, 7th October, 2026