Popular Japanese burger chain chef dies suddenly at age 38
Kerby Craig, founder of the successful Japanese burger chain Ume, has died at the age of 38.
Over the years, the celebrated chef had worked at Michelin star restaurants in the United Kingdom and Canada before returning to Sydney in 2012 where he opened fine-dining Japanese restaurant Ume in Surry Hills.
The restaurant eventually morphed into a fusion burger joint, which shut down in 2021 after its lease expired.
However, this was not before two Ume burger joints opened in Barangaroo and Darling Square.
As the Ume brand approached its ten-year anniversary, Craig recently told his team: "Ume is a success because of a team of people that have stuck by me. Success is not one person. That's why it's U plus Me".
His team paid tribute in a social media post:
"Through establishing Sydney's premier fast-casual Japanese burger restaurant, Kerby created a living legacy that tens of thousands of foodies have experienced and loved, and will continue to across two landmark venues with a future vision we hope to deliver on.
"We extend our heartfelt thanks for your condolences. We express our gratitude to all who have supported Kerby in his journey and have supported his businesses. We respectfully request privacy at this difficult time. A proper tribute will be made in the coming weeks."
"The Ume restaurants will be open for business as usual, just as Kerby would have wanted.
"We are bereft. He was our everything. Our hearts are broken.
"Rest in Peace."
Irit Jackson, 14th June 2022
