Bill Granger, a celebrated Australian chef, restaurateur, and food writer, died at the age of 54 in London, England, on Christmas Day 2023.
His death, following a battle with cancer, marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned over three decades and made significant contributions to the culinary world.
Born on August 29, 1969, in Melbourne, Australia, Granger was a self-taught chef who first gained prominence in the early 1990s.
After dropping out of art school at the age of 21, he moved to Sydney and opened his first restaurant, Bills, in the city’s Darlinghurst suburb in 1993. It quickly became known for its exceptional breakfast offerings, particularly its creamy scrambled eggs.
He is widely credited with inventing the now-iconic avocado toast, a simple yet popular dish that epitomizes his approach to cooking: fresh, accessible, and unpretentious. His culinary philosophy extended beyond his dishes to his approach to dining, fostering informal and communal eating experiences.
Along with his wife, Natalie Elliott, Granger expanded his business globally. They successfully opened 19 restaurants across major cities, including London and Seoul.
His international success was paralleled by his prolific work as an author and television personality. He wrote 14 cookbooks and starred in five TV cooking shows, sharing his passion for Australian cuisine with a worldwide audience.
In recognition of his contributions to the culinary arts and his role in promoting Australian cuisine globally, Granger was honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023. This prestigious award highlighted his status as a culinary ambassador and his influence in putting Australian food on the global map.
Granger’s colleagues and contemporaries in the food industry, such as Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, have expressed their deep sadness at his passing, commemorating his warmth, talent, and the joy he brought to the world through his cooking.
Celebrities Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness mourned Granger’s passing, acknowledging his inspiring commitment to family and his ability to bring people together through his culinary creations.
His influence and innovations in the culinary world will be remembered and cherished, particularly in popularizing Australian cuisine.
Granger leaves behind his wife Natalie and daughters Edie, Inès, and Bunny.