Buyers are showing interest in purchasing restaurants following the collapse of George Calombaris’ empire as  400 workers are left hanging regarding their jobs.

The celebrity chef’s MAdE Establishment entered voluntary administration last Monday in the wake of the $7.8million wage underpayment scandal which came to light last year.

Sale announcements are expected soon following 50 expressions of interest for 12 businesses, according to The Australian.

On Sunday morning, chef Matt Wilkinson of Crofter Dining Room in Brunswick shared anger over the closure of his restaurant.

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“Thank you to my staff, to the farmers, producers and suppliers, thank you to the many reviewers and especially thank you to the customers who in such a short time made it an amazing place,” Mr Wilkinson said on Instagram while also thanking Mr Colombaris with the hashtag ‘not his fault’.

“I am angry and sad about this whole scenario. Angry that after 40 days of work of not seeing my wolf pack I can’t make it work.”

Mr Calombaris’ five-bedroom Toorak mansion is also for sale.

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