Avocado Toast Pioneer Chef Bill Granger Passes Away at 54

It is with great sadness to report that Granger has passed away. A self-taught cook from Melbourne, he became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer.

He departed in a London hospital on Christmas Day at the age of 54, surrounded by his wife and three daughters. He was described as the ‘King of Breakfast’ for his ability to transform unpretentious food into something remarkable filled with warmth, and he will be deeply missed by all.

Although the cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed, Granger made significant contributions throughout his 30-year career, which included the publication of 14 cookbooks, hosting multiple television cooking shows, and establishing over a dozen restaurants in cities such as Sydney, London, and Tokyo.

Granger was revered by diners worldwide, as well as by his peers in the culinary industry. His passing caused an outpouring of grief from notable figures such as food author and TV chef Nigella Lawson and culinary legend Jamie Oliver, who both expressed their admiration for him. Granger’s career began in 1993 when, at the age of 23, he left art school to open his first restaurant, Bills, in Sydney. The establishment gained recognition for its simple yet exceptional dishes and high-quality coffee. Its success led to the opening of various offshoots worldwide, including a chain of Granger & Co. restaurants in London.

Australian chef Darren Robertson acknowledged Granger for revolutionizing the breakfast scene, while Masterchef Australia alumnus Adam Liaw deemed him as arguably the most influential pioneer of modern Australian food. His impact was so significant that in January, Granger was honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia, one of the country’s highest accolades, for his contributions to tourism and hospitality. In a 2019 interview with the BBC, Granger reflected on the humble beginnings of his breakfast empire, remarking on the extraordinary achievements that arose from his simple enjoyment of cooking pancakes and scrambled eggs.

Granger is survived by his wife and business partner, Natalie Elliott, and their three daughters, Edie, Inès, and Bunny.