Pastorale to close on a high note, leaving a legacy of community engagement and culinary innovation

After three years of treating Wagga residents to gourmet fine dining, Pastorale by Meccanico will garnish its final plates and close its kitchen doors in just over 10 days.

Founder Richard Moffatt told Region he and his fiancé Grace Gribble decided to sell the restaurant in February and secured a local buyer, but unfortunately the negotiations were unsuccessful.

“The buyer was a local hospitality owner,” Richard said. “Whilst the new owner and I had agreed to terms, unfortunately the negotiations between the new owner and our landlord were unsuccessful.

“Because it was a seven-month process, we’ve always been open and honest with our staff. They started planning their transition into other roles locally or nationally.”

While disappointed that the sale didn’t go through, Richard feels fortunate to end things on his terms.

“We feel lucky to be able to finish on such a high note,” Richard said. “In today’s small business climate, many businesses don’t have the luxury of finishing on their terms.

“We’re not in that situation. Fortunately, we can work with our staff to transition them.”

Richard said Pastorale was fully booked every night until the final day and he looked forward to sharing many glasses of wine with his guests.

“The bookings have been unbelievably busy, which is fantastic,” he said. “I feel very grateful that our guests want to dine with us and have one last Pastorale experience.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity over the next two weeks to thank them for their support because no small business succeeds without its guests. The Wagga community has been fantastic to us.”

Richard recalled that four months after opening Meccanico Espresso + Wine with his former business partner Karl Hulfoord, they were impacted by COVID-19.

“I remember the support we received from the community was fantastic, and it’s been the same with this business.”

Reflecting on his journey in the Wagga food and wine scene, Richard shared some of the moments and achievements he is most proud of.

“I’m proud of our contribution to elevating Wagga’s dining scene. We didn’t do it alone — other operators in town contributed as well,” Richard said.

“When we opened Meccanico, we were the first cafe in Wagga to trade on public holidays. At that time, Wagga’s hospitality mindset was to close on public holidays, but I believed we needed to think like a big city and serve our guests.

“Small changes, like shifting the mindset of local businesses, improving the style of food, the fit-out, and elevated service — Wagga deserves a city-style venue and hospitality, and we’ve been able to deliver that.”

Richard is also proud of Pastorale’s active role in the community, including raising $250,000 for local charities such as Ronald McDonald House and Pro Patria.

He added that he enjoyed hosting Wagga’s largest dinner party on the Wollundry Lagoon Bridge.

After putting the restaurant on the market, Richard and Grace also had career development and lifestyle goals they wished to achieve.

“We want to advance individually in our careers but also grow together as a family,” Richard said.

“I’ve worked the last six Christmas Days.

“I’m unsure about my own career future, but long-term, don’t be surprised if you see Grace and me back doing something.”

Richard shared his final parting message to his loyal patrons and supporters of Pastorale.

“Thank you for supporting small businesses. It’s a labour of love, not profit,” Richard said. “Keep supporting them.

“Don’t be afraid to roll the dice, have a go and follow your dreams.”

Pastorale will be open until 14 September.