“Failure to pay rent”: Steve Costi’s Mosman Fish Depot shock closure.

By ANNA USHER

Twelve months after its much-anticipated opening, Steve Costi’s Mosman Fish Depot has closed its doors.

The takeaway café, located at 904 Military Rd, was well known for its premium seafood, fresh salads, and sushi.

A “without prejudice” notice was placed on the front door of the storefront last Thursday, informing the community that real estate agents The Agency had taken possession of the premises on behalf of the landlords.

“In accordance with the conditions of your lease the landlords advise that possession of the property was retaken on Thursday 5th June in relation to notice given as failure to pay rent in accordance with notification and lease conditions,” it reads.

“We request that you make arrangements with our office to remove all perishable items from the premises as soon as possible.

“Any entry to the property will be considered as trespass and referred to the police.”

According to his website, Steve Costi’s Seafood was established in 1985, with the first store opening in the David Jones food hall on Market Street in the CBD.

“36 years later, Steve has opened many stores and supplied seafood Australia-wide, and the company has recently launched
its online seafood store offering home delivery in Sydney and Canberra,” the website states.

“Family-run business Costi’s is renowned as a trusted name within the industry. Steve’s father opened a fish shop in Lakemba in 1958.”

Philipp Tsiprin, the real estate agent listed on the repossession notice, stated that while all perishables had been removed from the store, some furniture and refrigerators remained.

“Other than that, I do not wish to comment further,” Mr Tsiprin said.

Mosman Collective’s calls to Mr Costi have remained unanswered.