A RESTAURANT, famed for its community involvement, has gone into liquidation.

Outback Steakhouse in Miles Gray Road, Basildon, has closed due to financial difficulties.

The restaurant won the best business in the community award at the Echo’s Basildon Business Awards two years ago, for supporting charities and youngsters interested in the catering industry.

Notices have been placed on the steakhouse’s restaurants and doors.

The notices read: “William John Turner and Geoffrey Kinlan, of BDO LLP, were appointed joint liquidators of Aussie Basildon Limited, trading as Outback Steakhouse, on September 13.

“The unit has now closed.”

The restaurant, which served meat, seafood and pasta dishes, opened in June 2003 and could cater for up to 200 guests at a time.

Staff were handed their redundancy notices on Tuesday.

The restaurant sponsored several local clubs and schools during recent years.

It helped to fund Brentwood Fire basketball team’s tour of the US in 2006, sponsored Wickford Football Club’s under-12s, backed school business events and hosted fundraising meals for St Luke’s Hospice.

Outback Steakhouse also offered work experience to local schools and took on many school-leavers interested in catering.

Dozens of customers and staff have paid tribute to the restaurant on its Facebook site since the closure was announced.

The restaurant’s management posted: “We have loved working with you all and served some great and loyal customers over the many years we were here.

“We hope to be back some day in the future.”

Former staff member Daniel Evans wrote: “I’m going to miss the Outback Steakhouse. I can’t believe this day has come.

“Thanks for all the customers’ support.

“It’s been a pleasure serving you all.”

Customer Kim Gates posted: “Great food and good service. Best wishes to all who were employed.”

It is believed the company’s Outback Steakhouse, in The Brewery complex, Romford, has also closed its doors.