Wilson BBQ Limited’s liquidation was triggered by the inability to manage its debt levels, with the company having over $600,000 in the New Zealand interior revenue division. The liquidator’s report attributes the bankruptcy of the challenging economic environment of the food retail industry to reduced cash flows. Inland revenue is the largest creditor, owing $644,192, a figure expected to increase due to uncalculated interest and fines.
Before the liquidation, 15 staff members worked at Wilson BBQ. While the company says all wages are paid, a $17,781 holiday compensation should be enjoyed. The company also owns approximately 75 unsecured creditors totaling $297,372. These creditors include ANZ, Coca-Cola Amatil (NZ), Contact Energy, DB Breweries, Heartland Bank, Massey University, Miter 10, Silver Chef Rentals and Z Energy.
The company also owes a total of $178,068 in a link direction. Of this payment, $164,014 is related to the debtor who is also liquidating. The restaurant is owned by Blair and Casey Wilson.
Wilson Barbecue Willis Lane Limited aims to support the business to expand to the New Wellington location and enter liquidation on March 5. The liquidator explained that the failure was due to low expected customer traffic that caused cash flow issues.
Smashed Limited, a food truck operating a smash burger pop-up, stopped trading in August 2023 and entered liquidation on April 3. According to Companies Office Records.s, Blair Wilson is listed as a director of all three companies, and Wilson Barbecue gained recognition in August 2023, selling 6336 hours of Guinness World World records for most dates by selling 6336 hours of burgers in 15 hours. Previous records were retained by American Youtuber Mrbeast. The event raised $10,946.31 for the Porirua charity, which accounts for 10% of sales and additional donations. The event offers $10 cheeseburger and a “payment” option for customers to donate burgers.
