Terroir Auburn in the Clare Valley to close at the end of May, owners say more government support needed

The owners of a beloved regional SA restaurant set to close next month say political leaders have yet to “fully recognise” the issues crippling the hospitality industry.

The owners of a beloved regional SA restaurant set to close next month say political leaders have yet to “fully recognise” the serious issues crippling the state’s hospitality industry.

Dan and Annika Moss have revealed they will be shutting down their food and accommodation business, Terroir Auburn in the Clare Valley, at the end of May, almost 12 years after they first opened.

In an emotional social media post, the couple said the “extremely volatile and uncertain economic future” of the country was a big factor in their decision.

“We are just simply not willing to carry any debt into the rest of the year, and risk our young family’s future on a game that is impossible to win for small business owners in 2024,” they couple wrote in a post on Facebook.

Dan and Annika Moss at Terroir, Auburn

The couple said there was a lack of support from state and federal governments, with more venues set to close this year.

“The issues facing the hospitality industry are yet to be fully recognised by those decision makers at the top,” the couple wrote.

“We do food and beverage extremely well here in South Australia, it’s one of our state’s most important draw cards. To both the federal and state governments, please listen to our industry leaders, and help.

“Yes, we understand submarines are important, and maybe you can bring one of them with you, instead of the current bow and arrow you are bringing to a gun fight.

“We won’t be the only ones making this decision this year. Brilliant and very talented operators will be faced with this choice also, and we hope they have the courage to make the right business decision for their families.”

Delicious 100 2022 SA – Terroir, Auburn – Kingfish starter

Mrs and Mrs Moss said they had been planning to put the business on the market but were unable to secure the lease required to sell Terroir Auburn in its current format.

“With the lease expired, we have a choice, and we have made the very tough, emotional and correct decision to close the doors,” the couple wrote.

“We leave of our own accord, with our heads held high, and nothing left in the tank knowing we gave it our absolute all. I can’t begin to express how brutal and upsetting it has been to walk away from something we have poured our whole heart into over the last 11 years.”

The couple thanked their customers and producers for their support, and urged anyone with reservations or prepaid stays in their guest suites to contact them for full refunds.

“So, for now its farewell. We want to use the next 2 months as a celebration, and we hope to see all your beautiful faces sometime soon to help us send Terroir out with the bang she wholeheartedly deserves,” they wrote.

It’s been a brutal few months for SA businesses, with several closing their doors, selling up or pleading for support as the cost of living crisis takes hold and the ripple effect of Covid continues.

Among the hospitality businesses to shut down in recent months, include Hog’s Breath Cafe Glenelg, Cardone’s on Jetty Rd, Glenelg, Little Banksia Tree in Bowden, Gouger St’s Super Bueno, cult Hills pizza restaurant Lost In A Forest, Folklore Cafe in Port Adelaide, Morris Bakery on the Limestone Coast, plus a host of Adelaide nightspots.

Chinatown stalwart Kim Wang Supermarket is also clearing its shelves over the next few weeks, to the devastation of loyal customers, with plans to shut at the end of April.