A popular south-west cafe has closed its doors after just seven months, with the owner criticizing the government for failing to support local businesses.
Townhouse Coffee Co and Cafe is a family-owned coffee shop that first opened the doors to its second location in the South West in February, a decade after its first opening in Bunbury.
Just months after opening the new store, the owners of the Eaton’s site revealed they were forced to make the “heartbreaking” decision to close the business.
“After investing so much of our heart, time and energy into our little cafe, the time has come to close our doors,” the company announced in a post to followers on Friday.
“This cafe was never just a business for us. It became a big part of our lives: a place full of early mornings, long days, laughter, tears, friendships, familiar faces and countless memories that we will carry with us forever.”
The Council Drive restaurant went on to explain that running a small business in the current economic climate is “really difficult” due to rising costs and constant pressure.
“Small businesses are often described as the heart of our communities, but the reality is that when the going gets tough, it can feel like you are expected to somehow survive on your own,” they said.
“For us, there simply has not been the government support or assistance needed to help small businesses like ours through increasingly difficult times.
“We fought incredibly hard to keep going. We sacrificed, we adapted, and we gave everything we could because this cafe and the community around it meant a lot to us, but sometimes giving everything you have still isn’t enough.”
The South West cafe shared a huge thank you to all the customers who had enjoyed a cup of coffee or a bite to eat at the establishment, before ending the lengthy statement by urging Eaton residents to continue supporting local shops.
“We are incredibly proud of the small community that has grown around our cafe. No closure can take away the friendships, memories and moments we shared,” they said.
“Please continue to support your local small businesses whenever you can. Behind each one of them is a person or family giving everything they have to keep their dream alive.”
Many WA business owners were quick to fill the comments on the Eaton coffee announcement, commiserating with the owner over the difficulties of seeking government support today.
“You are absolutely right that the government does not want small businesses to thrive or survive… they do not offer any support in these difficult economic times,” commented one former coffee shop operator, revealing that they had previously closed their business for similar reasons.
“For a small business owner, staying afloat has been the hardest…the government has no interest in supporting us while we shed blood, sweat and tears to stay open,” another added.
“It’s incredibly difficult right now, I wish you all the best for the future,” wrote a third South West local.
The devastating news of the closure is the latest blow for the family business, with the owner sharing in June that Townhouse Cafe’s Bunbury location was forced to close due to leasing issues.
PerthNow has contacted Townhouse Cafe for comment.