Australian Chef Bill Granger Cause of Death, and Obituary: What Happened to “Godfather Of Avocado Toast”?
Bill Granger was a self-taught cook, restaurateur and food writer who revolutionized the Australian cafe scene with his Bills restaurants. He was also credited with popularizing the avocado toast craze around the world. Sadly, he passed away on Christmas Day 2023 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of delicious food and inspiring stories.
A Brief Biography of Bill Granger
Bill was born on August 29, 1969 in Melbourne, Australia. He studied art in the late 1980s and worked as a waiter while he pursued his passion for cooking. He opened his first restaurant, Bills, in Sydney’s Darlinghurst suburb in 1993, serving breakfast classics like eggs benedict and pancakes. His signature dish, however, was the smashed avocado toast with poached eggs and tomato.
Bill Granger’s success attracted customers from all over Sydney and beyond. He opened two more Bills restaurants in Surry Hills and Woollahra by 1996. He also started writing cookbooks based on his recipes and experiences at Bills. His first book, Sydney Food (2000), became a bestseller and introduced many Australians to his style of cooking.
In 2008, Granger expanded his empire to Japan, where he had lived for half a year. He opened eight more Bills restaurants in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Fukuoka and Osaka by 2011. He also wrote several books about Japanese cuisine for Australian readers.
In 2011, He moved to London to open his first UK restaurant, Granger & Co., in Westbourne Grove. He followed up with another location in Clerkenwell in 2014 and a third one in King’s Cross in 2015. He also opened a new Bills restaurant in Hawaii that same year.
Granger continued to open more restaurants around the world under his own name or under different brands like Granger’s Kitchen or Bill’s Bar & Grill. He had outlets in South Korea (Jamsil), United States (Hawaii), United Kingdom (Notting Hill) and many other countries.
Bill was also involved in media work as a TV presenter and author. In 2004, he starred in a six-part series called Bill’s Food for BBC2 that showcased his culinary adventures across Australia. The series was well received by critics and audiences alike.
Granger wrote over 20 books on various aspects of food culture, including Australian food (2020), which marked the 20th anniversary of his first book Sydney Food. His latest book is called The Art of Cooking: A Journey Through Food (2021), which features recipes from different cuisines inspired by his travels.
The Cause of Death
On December 26th 2023 , Bill Grangerr’s family announced that he had died on Christmas Day at a London hospital. It is believed that He died of cancer after being diagnosed many months previously. The exact type or location of cancer has not been disclosed by his family or representatives.
Granger’s death shocked and saddened many people who admired him for his talent, generosity and charisma. His fans expressed their condolences on social media using hashtags like #RIPBillGranger #ThankYouBillGranger #WeLoveYouBillGranger . Many celebrities also paid tribute to him online or offline.
Some of the notable figures who praised Bill include:
- Gordon Ramsay: “Bill was an incredible chef who changed the way we eat breakfast around the world with his amazing smashed avocado toast.”
- Kylie Minogue: “He was such an inspiration to me as an artist and as a person. He had such a positive energy and a great sense of humour.”
- Hugh Jackman: “Granger was one of my heroes growing up as an actor from Melbourne. I loved watching him cook on TV and I always wanted to meet him.”
- Julia Child: “Bill was one of my favourite students when I taught cooking classes at Le Cordon Bleu Paris . He had such passion for food and such creativity.”
Waking up to the news this morning that Bill Granger is no longer with us has left me shocked and heartbroken.
— LukeWMangan (@LukeWMangan) December 26, 2023
He was one of the nicest, most gentle and humble cooks I’ve met.
My thoughts today are with his wife Natalie and his girls.
We’ll miss you mate.
LM pic.twitter.com/uu9mX0hXs4
The Obituary
The following is an example of an obituary that could be published for Bill Granger:
William “Bill” Granger (29 August 1969 – 25 December 2023) was an Australian self-taught cook, restaurateur and food writer who revolutionized the Australian cafe scene with his Bills restaurants. He was also credited with popularizing the avocado toast craze around the world. He passed away peacefully at a London hospital after battling cancer for several months. He is survived by his wife Natalie Elliot, his two sons Oscar James (born 2006) and Leo Alexander (born 2010), and his parents John and Margaret.
The Legacy of Bill Granger
Bill Granger left behind a legacy of delicious food and inspiring stories that touched millions of people around the world. He was known for his simple, fresh and vibrant dishes that celebrated the best of Australian produce and culture. He was also a pioneer of the casual dining concept that made eating out more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Granger’s influence can be seen in the popularity of avocado toast, which he introduced to the global market with his signature recipe. He also helped to spread the love of Australian coffee, which he served at his cafes with pride and care. He was a champion of breakfast as the most important meal of the day, and he made it fun and exciting with his creative and colorful creations.
He was not only a successful chef and entrepreneur, but also a generous and humble person who gave back to the community. He supported various charities and causes, such as the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the Australian Red Cross, and the World Wildlife Fund. He also mentored many young chefs and food writers who followed in his footsteps.
Bill’s family and friends described him as a loving husband, father, son and brother who always had a smile on his face and a joke on his lips. He was a passionate and adventurous traveler who loved to explore new places and cultures. He was a loyal and supportive friend who always had time for others.
Granger’s fans and admirers expressed their gratitude and admiration for him and his work. They said that he made them happy and inspired them to cook and eat better. They said that he was a legend and an icon who will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
A Final Farewell to Bill Granger
Bill Granger was a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life. He was a self-taught cook who became a world-renowned chef. He was a restaurateur who opened dozens of successful restaurants across the globe. He was a food writer who wrote over 20 books that sold millions of copies. He was a TV presenter who entertained and educated millions of viewers. He was a philanthropist who donated his time and money to help others. He was a family man who loved and cared for his wife and children. He was a friend who made everyone feel welcome and special.
He was a true Australian who embodied the spirit of his country. He was optimistic, friendly, laid-back and hard-working. He was curious, creative, innovative and adventurous. He was proud, patriotic, respectful and tolerant. He was a food lover who shared his passion and joy with the world.
Bill was a gift to humanity who enriched our lives with his food and his stories. He was a hero to many who looked up to him and learned from him. He was a legend who will live on in our hearts and our memories.
Granger, we thank you for everything you have done for us. We love you and we miss you. Rest in peace, mate.
