A Melbourne restaurant which started as a COVID-19 lockdown favourite has fallen on hard times.

1800 Lasagne entered voluntary administration last week.

The beloved eatery in Thornbury began as the delivery service side hustle for music festival organiser Joel Kellock, but then ballooned in popularity during the pandemic in 2020.

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It later laid down roots with a brick-and-mortar boasting wine, music, merchandise, and its trademark small menu and late-night service.

The business garnered a loyal local following over the years with trendy marketing and quality food to back it up, becoming the state’s first hatted lasagne restaurant.

But new challenges have recently cropped up.

“We are working closely with the administration team to streamline and restructure our model to ensure we take the best steps while moving forward,” Kellock said in a statement in social media.

“Our loyal suppliers and our beloved staff are, and will continue, to be our highest priority through this process.”

Trading hours are so far unaffected by the administration, and the business has urged lasagne-loving locals to show their support.

“1800 Lasagne has always been about people, passion and plates of love — and that hasn’t changed,” it said.

“We’re grateful for the support of our incredible community and encourage everyone to keep showing love and support to local hospitality.

“We absolutely cherish our place in the community and will be striving to continue serving you.

“So, please come and visit our incredible staff for dinner, takeaway, or a drink at the bar and help us get through this exciting but challenging time.”

HLB Mann Judd administrators Todd Gammel and Matthew Levesque-Hocking were appointed last Wednesday, and will meet with creditors on Monday to discuss the state of the business.

www.20304050.best has contacted the administrators for comment.