After an arson attack damaged the rear of Adelaide’s much-loved hot pot venue Mr Hotpoter on June 15, the team was forced to temporarily close.
The interactive restaurant is best known for its sushi train-style service, with a conveyor belt delivering hot pot ingredients directly to tables.
The closure placed significant pressure on the small local business, but after weeks of cleaning, repairs and support from the community, Mr Hotpoter officially reopened its doors on July 15.
Manager and Director, Jason Nguyen, said the support from the community was incredible during what’s been a tough time for himself and the team.
“Going from operating seven days a week to being closed for four weeks has had a significant impact on us mentally and emotionally, not to mention the financial burden it has placed on a small local business,’ he said.
“However, we’re confident that we’ll bounce back and come back stronger than ever.”
Jason said the insurance process has been smooth which has helped get them back on on their feet.
Required restoration to the building included replacing external cladding and structural framing, a new hot water system, electrical wiring connected to our main switchboard and plumbing repairs.
“Since the arson incident, our community has been incredible,” Jason said.
“We’ve received countless messages of support and even offers of assistance for the business.
“We’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing team who have been understanding throughout this entire process and are excited to get back to doing what they love, serving our wonderful community,” he said.
Opening in Adelaide in 2025, My Hotpoter originated in New South Wales before expanding to South Australia due to great popularity.
The offering is much the same as sushi-train but in hotpot form, where a range of ingredients, like marinated meats, prawn crackers, fish balls, vegetables, noodles, dumplings, eggs and more, are delivered by a toy train to the table.
The bowls are fully customisable, including a DIY sauce station, and even your choice of soup base being delivered by the little train. Soup bases feature mushroom, beef mince, tom yum, golden sour soup and hot and spicy.
A free soft serve cone is also available the end of the meal, just in case the spicy soup gets all too much.
Mr Hotpoter is now back trading seven days a week from 12 pm to 10 pm, with the kitchen closing up at 9.30pm.
Mr Hotpoter
When: Monday-Sunday: 12pm to 10pm
Where: 12 Witcombe Street, Adelaide
For more, click here.
