Adelaide businesses shut their doors as cost of living crunch hits

The horror year slashing the state’s business sector continues with more beloved venues announcing closures – but new life for a former SA icon. Explore the map.

The brutal business climate that has led to multiple closures across South Australia has continued into the new financial year.

The state’s hospitality scene has bid farewell to some beloved stores, while another that had amassed a strong following found new life with a new name.

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+ READ THE FULL LIST OF CLOSURES FROM JANUARY to JUNE HERE

New life for beloved Hey Bianca chain

A closed down pizza shop in Brighton got a fresh lick of paint in anticipation of a new pizza eatery opening later this month.

The former location of Hey Bianca on Brighton Rd at Brighton will now house a branch of Francesca’s Pizza + Sandos.

The new pizza shop, according to the Google listing, is set to open on Monday, July 15.

Francesca’s is owned by Nilavan Baskaran and Aman Takher – Mr Takher was also co-owner of Hey Bianca which has since quietly closed all three of its locations in the city, West Beach and Brighton.

Francesca’s Pizza + Sandos first opened on Anzac Highway at Glenelg in March this year, changing the pizza game with its folded-up pizza – or a pizza portafoglio.

Paddy Barry’s

A beloved Adelaide CBD cafe is another casualty of the brutal trading scene, with Paddy Barry’s announcing its closure in June.

The Gilles St coffee shop, formerly known as Sibling, officially closed on July 1, with owner Jimmy Barry sharing the news on Instagram.

“After three incredible years, it brings sadness and relief to say we’re shutting our doors in the coming months,” he wrote in May, ahead of a nostalgic pictorial countdown of the business over the years.

“A decision that wasn’t easy to make.

“Ultimately, family comes first and I want to be the best dad, partner, son, brother and friend I possibly can.

“With the pressure of small business, I’m finding it hard to be present.”

Jimmy later shared what inspired him to open the coffee shop, revealing owning a small business was something he wanted to do “as soon as I started working in hospitality a decade ago”.

He thanked a long list of people including his best mate and business partner Darcy, his partner Jess, and people who supported Paddy Barry’s from the beginning.

Obun Chef reveals heartbreaking closure

A Japanese pancake business that is a staple at the Adelaide Market Plaza Precinct will close its doors later this month, prompting discussion about the changing customer trend at the shopping district.

Obun Chef, which served up custard and red bean filled obanyaki – or souffle pancakes – will cease trading on July 27 after almost 20 years serving hungry shoppers.

It is the latest closure since construction works on the broader $400m Central Market Arcade redevelopment began in June 2023, with shop owners reporting a change in customer trends.

Judy Chiu, speaking on behalf of her parents Jane and Michael Chiu who opened and run Obun Chef, said they were devastated.

“The reason is really just they’re going to be doing redevelopment for the side of the market – our wall is connected to the food court,” Ms Chiu said.

She said another location was offered but it was not suitable for a food outlet, and they had not found another that would suit Obun Chef.

So they made the tough decision to close, but had not ruled out a return as a pop up stall.

Final curtains for 50-year-old cinema

The only cinema in the state’s Murraylands region is set to close its doors after 47 years.

The Cameo Cinema in Murray Bridge will close down permanently from July 28 with its owners hoping to take a “step back”.

The cinema took to social media to make the announcement on Sunday, May 26.

“After a lot of thought and a heavy heart, Cameo Cinema Murray Bridge will be shutting its doors,” the statement said.

“After 47 years working in an industry that is traditionally busy over family/holiday times we are choosing to step back and enjoy these wholeheartedly.

“We wish to thank our community for all their support and encourage you to make the most of one more Cameo experience before we close.”

READ THE FULL LIST OF CLOSURES FROM JANUARY to JUNE HERE