Long way home: Short Grain’s culinary homecoming

Located in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Short Grain is where celebrated chef Martin Boetz brings vibrant Thai flavours to life. Recipient of 36 Chefs' Hats across an aspirational career in hospitality, Martin has been no stranger to crafting culinary experiences that impress.

Since its opening, the 60-seat restaurant has become a beloved spot for those seeking a dining experience that blends authenticity with innovation. The warm, inviting atmosphere of Short Grain, paired with Martin's culinary expertise, ensures every meal feels special – whether for a quick bite or a leisurely evening.

The Hospitality Dream

For Martin Boetz, cooking has always been a lifelong passion that began in his grandmother’s kitchen. By 15, he had fallen in love with the art of cooking, a love that led him to the position of Executive Chef at the iconic Longrain restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne. Despite his success, Martin felt the pull to return to Brisbane – seeking a change of pace.

From this move, Short Grain was born – a restaurant offering the same high standards of quality and flavour Martin was known for, but with a fresh, local twist. “I wanted Short Grain to be a place where people feel welcome, whether they’re coming in for a quick meal or staying for a full dining experience,” Martin shares. His vision was to create a space where vibrant Thai flavours could be enjoyed in a relaxed, accessible setting.

"SilverChef made it possible to build my dream kitchen on a tight budget, with the flexibility to swap equipment within the first 12 months – a game-changer for any chef."

SilverChef’s hospitality equipment funding

When opening Short Grain, managing cash flow and sourcing equipment were significant challenges. SilverChef provided the solution Martin needed.

“Cash flow is really important in a business, so starting out and buying everything from scratch is daunting,” Martin explains. “Having SilverChef there to lease my equipment freed up cash, and that has really helped me.”

Martin also appreciated SilverChef's personalised approach. “SilverChef is easy to work with – once you explain your situation, they tailor things to what you can afford. I’m really grateful to them because I was able to do something fantastic at Short Grain.”

“If you're trying to do everything, you'll get burnt out quickly. You need the right people around you to support and make that dream a reality – that’s exactly where SilverChef comes in.”

What’s next

When Short Grain opened, the Brisbane community's response was overwhelmingly positive. The restaurant quickly established itself as a local favourite, known for its fresh ingredients, authentic flavours, and the warm, bustling atmosphere that Martin envisioned.

Looking ahead, Martin is focused on maintaining the high standards that have made Short Grain a success. He’s committed to offering a dining experience that’s consistent and innovative, ensuring that every guest leaves with a memorable experience. “For now, my goal is to keep building on what we’ve created here at Short Grain,” Martin reflects. “It’s about staying true to the vision and continuing to deliver something special to our community.”

Discover more about Short Grain and how Martin Boetz brought authentic Thai flavours to the heart of Brisbane.