Sydney residents are shocked by the shocking death of Ume Burger founder, just 38 years old.
Renowned chef Kerby Craig, who started the iconic Japanese burger chain, died Thursday, just days before the restaurant’s 10th anniversary.
Restaurant staff announced the death of their “dearest son and brother, mentor and friend” on Facebook on Monday.
In a tribute to the chef, they explained how Craig’s career began when he was a 15-year-old apprentice in one of Sydney’s restaurants owned by the famous chef Tetsuya Wakuda.
He worked in the UK and Canada, even in Michelin-starred restaurants before starting his “pride and joy” Ume Burger.
Kerby camera icon Craig founded Ume Burger. Credit: Instagram
“Kerby has created a living legacy that tens of thousands of kitchen lovers have experienced and loved, and will continue to do so in two landmarks with a vision for the future that we hope to offer,” staff wrote on Facebook.
The circumstances surrounding Craig’s sudden death are unclear and his grieving friends said his hearts were “broken” by the loss.
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“For friends and those who knew Kerby they knew he was an open, passionate, affectionate, affectionate, loyal and charismatic larrikin with a larger-than-natural personality,” they wrote.
“For anyone who has spent some time with Kerby, you left feeling full and happy.
“She loved the hospitality of Sydney, Japan, her sweet dog Bobby, the popcorn, the snacks and she loved her family and friends. Kerby always found time for you, she had a bigger heart and an even bigger laugh. “
We are deprived. He was all ours.
But despite her pain, staff have kept her two Ume Burger restaurants open “just as Kerby would have liked.”
Our hearts are broken. Rest in peace, “the staff wrote on Facebook.
Craig’s staff and clients also wrote their own tributes.
“Thank you Kerby for being a good boss. Rest in love and peace,” one wrote.
In his latest post on social media late last year, Craig thanked his clients for their support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We had a great time serving all @umeburger x @ ume.darlingsquare for two tricky years!” He wrote.
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