Popular tourist town rocked by unexpected death of well-known restaurant owner Blake Rogers
Blake Rogers, 56, co-owner of Chido Cantina in Lennox Head, NSW, was reported missing on September 21 and found dead the same day. His sudden death has profoundly affected the close-knit northern NSW community and left the restaurant's future uncertain. Police are treating his death as non-suspicious.
Rogers took over the Mexican restaurant three years ago with his wife Cilla, who survives him along with three children. The community has raised over $50,000 in support and is planning a memorial paddle-out for October 24. Fellow hospitality operators and customers have shared tributes highlighting his kindness, family devotion, and commitment to mentoring young workers in the hospitality sector.
- Blake Rogers, beloved Chido Cantina owner, died unexpectedly on September 21
- Restaurant remains closed as the community grieves this shocking loss
- Community has raised $50,000 and is planning a memorial paddle-out
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Blake Rogers was a 56-year-old who co-owned Chido Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in Lennox Head, a popular tourist destination in northern New South Wales. He went missing on 21 September and was found dead the same day. Police are treating his death as non-suspicious, though it has profoundly affected the close-knit local community.
Rogers had run the restaurant with his wife Cilla for three years. He is survived by Cilla and three children. Beyond the restaurant, he had become known locally for his kindness and for mentoring young workers in hospitality, earning widespread respect in the industry.
The community's response reflects how much he was valued by those around him. Tributes from locals have emphasised his family devotion and his wider impact. His death has left questions about the restaurant's future and a notable gap in the local hospitality scene.