The owners of East Perth restaurant Co-Op Dining have blamed an “overseas greedy landlord” for having to close their doors suddenly on Thursday.

Kelli and Kiren Mainwaring, who have owned the fine diner since 2012, have posted a GoFundMe page to help pay their suppliers.

The couple previously owned Dear Friends in Caversham.

“It’s with sadness that we have had to close our lifelong dream of running a restaurant,” it reads.

Camera Icon Kiren and Kelly Mainwaring. Credit: WA News

“With the economic change in Western Australia and an overseas greedy landlord, we have had to vacate our restaurant unexpectedly and prematurely.

“Our main concern is to see that our devoted staff and supportive suppliers get paid. We have done our best to pay what we can before the negotiations failed.

“We have exhausted all solutions.

“We will be back!!!”

The fundraiser has attracted some critics online, including one who wrote, “…you’ve taken the revenue pay your debts”.