The dob on King William, a sister venue to the historic Duke of Brunswick Hotel, set to close for good

A popular gluten-free cafe in the city has become the latest casualty of the state’s hospitality crisis.

A gluten-free cafe in the city has become the latest casualty of the state’s hospitality crisis.

The dob on King William, a sister venue to the historic Duke of Brunswick Hotel on Gilbert Street, will shut its doors for the final time on Friday at 2pm, with owner-operator Simone Douglas saying the current economic landscape made it “increasingly challenging” for smaller businesses to stay open.

Ms Douglas, who also runs the Port Admiral Hotel at Port Adelaide, said increasing costs and “additional burdens” such as payroll tax, made it “untenable for us to operate the cafe without compromising the stability of our broader operations”.

“This decision, while difficult, reflects the harsh realities faced by many in the hospitality industry today,” she said.

“Navigating the business landscape with a mere 8-10 per cent profit margin has become increasingly challenging especially for smaller establishments like ours with little to no margin for downturns, bad days or equipment failures and repairs.”

The dob on King William launched in 2022, offering a breakfast/brunch menu packed with high-quality gluten-free dishes and desserts, including classics such as eggs benedict, pancakes, waffles, hot dogs and burgers.

The dob on King William will be closing permanently from Friday. Pics: Facebook.

The dob is a sister venue to the historic Duke of Brunswick Hotel on Gilbert St. Pics: Facebook.

Ms Douglas said her other venues, The Duke of Brunswick and the Port Admiral Hotel, where she employs 60 staff, would remain her primary focus.

“These venues are more than businesses; they are communities, and our commitment to them must come first,” she said.

“This decision was made to safeguard the future of our larger venues and ensure that we can continue to serve our community in the best way possible.

“Thank you for your understanding and unwavering support during these challenging times.”

The cafe is among a host of hospitality businesses that have shut down in recent months.

The Duke of Brunswick and Port Admiral Hotel will be Ms Douglas’ focus after dob closes. Pics: Facebook.

Japanese restaurant Kosho in North Adelaide and Foam Coffee in Rundle Place both closed after falling into liquidation.

Highly-rated Adelaide restaurant Umaii closed suddenly on Saturday, April 20, while Cheffy Chelby’s breakfast burger bars at Morphett Vale and Hallett Cove shut for good last Sunday.

Beloved Italian restaurant Martini on the Parade in Norwood announced their final service will be on May 12. Last month, Terroir Auburn in the Clare Valley also announced they were closing at the end of May.

Other hospitality businesses to close 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.