A much-loved coastal restaurant is facing an uncertain future after the sudden death of its co-owner.
Blake Rogers, 56, was reported missing from East Ballina in the NSW Northern Rivers on September 21. His body was discovered later that day.
Police do not believe his death was suspicious.
Mr Rogers was the driving force behind Chido Cantina in Lennox Head, a coastal town about 20km south of Byron Bay. He took over the Mexican restaurant, formerly known as Pancho Villa, with his wife, Cilla, three years ago.
He is survived by Cilla and their three children, Xanthe, Zane and Ashlee.
‘I am absolutely shattered. I love you forever Dad,’ Ashlee wrote in a tribute shared at the time.
In an emotional statement posted on Chido’s social media after Mr Rogers’ death, his family and staff said they had ‘no words’ to describe the tragedy.
The statement said the popular Mexican eatery would remain closed ‘while we navigate this extremely difficult chapter of our lives’.
Blake Rogers (above) was reported missing on September 21 and found dead later that same day
Mr Rogers’ (above) funeral took place on October 8, with a paddle-out in his honour planned for October 24
Chido Cantina was still closed on Monday, three weeks after Mr Rogers’ death.
His death has been felt throughout the close-knit northern NSW community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from customers and fellow hospitality business owners.
Lennox Head venues Slicks and Baraka issued a joint statement reflecting on Mr Rogers’ death after his funeral in Ballina the previous week.
Co-owners Kat and Ric said the tragedy had made them ‘stop and think about what sits behind the places we love’.
‘Running a small business can be incredibly beautiful. It can also be incredibly lonely,’ Kat wrote.
‘There are the late nights, the numbers, the responsibility, the pressure and the sacrifices your family makes alongside you.
‘Look after your people and don’t assume that someone seeming okay means they are.
‘Rest easy mate. Ric and I are expecting a seat at your table and a bloody delicious margarita waiting for me when we get there.’
Community members remembered Mr Rogers (above) as a kind man devoted to his business
Mr Rogers was co-owner of Chido Cantina (above) in Lennox Head, which remains closed
A customer wrote: ‘My husband and I had our first date at Chido and have had many dates there since over the years – always to be warmly welcomed by Blake.
‘We fell pregnant last year with our Chido baby and visited for dinner for our first postpartum date. Blake gave us big hugs, congratulations and parenting advice.
‘It was obvious that he absolutely loved his family to bits. We are devastated for your loss and the loss to the Lennox community.’
Mourners at his funeral last week were urged to donate to local men’s mental health organisation The Healthy Minds Club in lieu of flowers.
The community is still reeling three weeks on from Mr Rogers’ death.
A memorial paddle-out in his honour is planned for October 24 at North Wall Ballina.
‘Absolutely heartbreaking. There really are no words. Sending all our love, strength and deepest condolences to Blake’s family, friends and everyone who loved him. Rest peacefully Blake,’ one local wrote.
Another added: ‘We were on holidays at Lennox this year, there was a storm that rolled in and we met Blake because he ushered us inside while it poured rain. Came back the following night and had an incredible feed plus beautiful customer service.’
The community has rallied around Mr Rogers’ family to raise more than $50,000
A third recalled: ‘Blake gave my girls their first job with no experience. He was always willing to give everyone a start! Huge condolences to the family and everyone at Chido and the Lennox community.’
Mr Rogers has been remembered as a devoted husband, deeply loving and incredibly proud father and much loved member of the community.
‘Chido was a place Blake and his family created for their community. At the heart of it all was Blake,’ family friend Fabiana Vieira Severino wrote on a fundraiser.
‘He was known for his incredible generosity, his kindness and, most of all, his smile.
‘Blake had a genuine ability to make people feel welcome and valued.
‘He gave so much of himself to the people around him, and his presence became such a familiar and loved part of the Lennox Head community.’
The fundraiser, which has already raised $50,000, aims to give the family breathing room while they grieve.
‘His family is facing a loss that is impossible to put into words,’ Ms Severino wrote.
‘Chido Cantina has closed its doors as the family takes the time they need to grieve, come together and work out what the future looks like.
‘Funds raised will help the family with the ongoing financial pressures and commitments associated with Chido Cantina as the family considers its future.
‘At a time when their world has been turned upside down, our hope is that the community can come together and give this family one less thing to carry.’
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