Where are they now? South Australia’s favourite hospitality personalities share life after closing their businesses
From career changes to retirement and everything in between, SA’s hospitality identities reveal what they’ve been up to since shutting the doors on their businesses.
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They’re the big names behind some of the state’s most-loved hospitality venues.
But since the doors closed for the last time on their businesses, what have they been up to?
After decades in the industry, some have enjoyed a career change, others have chosen to retire, and some have simply moved on to greener pastures.
It comes as the number of hospitality operators pulling the pin or deciding to sell up has grown since 2020, initially driven by the Covid-19 pandemic which hit the sector hard.
More than two years of density restrictions in venues such as restaurants, cafes and pubs made it virtually impossible for some business owners to continue operating.
In more recent times, a drop in spending due to the cost-of-living crisis, people continuing to work from home, interest rate hikes and inflation have led to another rush of closures, or left some businesses fighting for their survival.
FULL LIST: SA BUSINESS CLOSURES OF 2024
No hospitality venues have been immune, with institutions such as Jetty Rd restaurant Cardone’s or Martini on The Parade, through to smaller cafes, clubs and bakeries, among those shutting their doors.
For some, the current hospo crisis is similar – or worse – than the situation faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
With that in mind, let’s catch up with a few of SA’s hospitality favourites who closed their businesses and find out what they’re doing now.
Abby Roennfeldt
Hades Hula House, Semaphore and Hindley St – closed in December 2023
When Abby Roennfeldt was forced to shut her beloved Hawaiian-inspired cocktail bar, Hades Hula House, late last year, she admits it was like “letting go of a dream”.
“My heart ached for hospo,” said the award-winning bartender.
“I made the decision I had to in order to survive. There was more money going out than coming in, and I couldn’t borrow any more money to keep it all afloat. My song is no different to many others who have made a similar decision in recent times.
“But I missed making drinks, late nights, ‘being in the weeds’, being my own boss, creating moments for, and with, guests. The list is endless.”
So it should come as little surprise that Ms Roennfeldt would return to the industry that she loves so much – albeit in a new state and in a new capacity.
She and husband Tommy Hartley have moved to country NSW and about nine weeks ago, the couple started working at destination venue Whitton Malt House, as events co-ordinator and duty supervisor, respectively.
“I missed the hospo wagon too much to stay away for long! Together with my husband, we’ve made the ultimate tree change, swapping city life for a slice of rural paradise,” she said.
“I can honestly say I am love, love, LOVING the lifestyle change, whilst still doing everything I adore within the industry I am most passionate about.”
She’s also working with Xamay Global Spirits as an Australian-based ambassador, ahead of their national tequila and rum launch.
Beyond that, Ms Roennfeldt and her husband welcomed their first child together earlier this month, a baby girl named Trinity Faye Anne. She also has three teenage daughters from a previous relationship.
As for the future, Ms Roennfeldt said she’s hoping to publish a cocktail book and perhaps once again launch her own private tiki bar. But for now, she couldn’t be happier.
“I am incredibly content living on a farm, surrounded by cotton fields, creating bespoke events in one of the most awesome destination venues in Australia,” she said.
Stratos Pouras
Cork & Cleaver, Glenunga – closed December 2021
As he enjoys his well-earned retirement at home in the eastern suburbs, legendary restaurateur Stratos Pouras can’t help but reflect on the past.
For more than six decades, Mr Pouras was one of Adelaide’s leading hospitality figures, operating his Glenunga steak and seafood institution, Cork & Cleaver, for an incredible 43 years before its closure in 2021.
“My life has changed completely. Every hour I think of my 63 years of restaurateuring,” said Mr Pouras, now aged 87.
“I spend a lot of time thinking of the past. I think of my loyal staff and wonderful customers. Some of them call me and we catch up for a drink or coffee.
“Of course I miss it. The things I did, the friends I made. It was absolutely wonderful.”
An enduring staple in an industry of constant change, Greek-born Mr Pouras served some of the biggest names in town, with late Formula One driver Ayrton Senna, tennis great Pete Sampras, and two-time grand slam champion Lleyton Hewitt among his celebrity guests.
SA’s Governor, Frances Adamson, even worked at the restaurant as a part-time waitress while she was studying at university in the 1980s.
Now Mr Pouras is soaking up a deserved life of leisure, with time in his garden, watching TV or reading among his many hobbies. He’s also kept occupied by his seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren from his three daughters.
“They keep me busy, I see them very often. They come over here or we go out and have a coffee and a meal,” he said, adding they also sometimes holiday together on the Gold Coast.
Late last year, a new restaurant, Fire and Vine, finally filled the space which was once home to Cork & Cleaver. Sadly, it closed in June after just nine months.
“I would bump into my old customers at the shops, they had tried the restaurant but they were all disappointed with it. It’s a famous spot – I don’t know what went wrong,” he said.
Mr Pouras said running a restaurant these days would be tougher as costs rise and people struggle to afford to dine out. But there’s a simple formula to sustained hospitality success, he said.
“Good food, good people, good service and good smiles. You have to love the profession,” he said. “This is what keeps people coming back.”
But that’s all in the rearview mirror now and Mr Pouras is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
“Every day I thank God for the day, and then tomorrow is another day. That’s my philosophy,” he said.
Michelle Lowe
Cheffy Chelby’s, various locations – closed April 2024
Giving back to the local community is the driver behind Michelle Lowe’s new career path as a youth mentor in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
The former owner of Cheffy Chelby’s, a chain of popular breakfast burger bars, is now self-employed as an NDIS provider offering support, life skills and business expertise with young people.
“This involves mentoring them around cooking, health and wellness, budgeting, life skills and ‘how to adult’. It’s super rewarding,” she said.
“I decided this is the right fit for me because I love working in the community to help those who need a bit of kindness and patient support.
“I’ve personally had some amazing mentors over my time and giving back and sharing knowledge is important to help our youth succeed.”
Ms Lowe pulled the pin on her burger bars, Morphett Vale and Hallett Cove, in April, blaming rising expenses and the cost of living crisis.
The business never recovered after she was forced to shut her flagship Port Noarlunga eatery when the building it was located in was declared derelict and unsafe by the local council in February 2023.
“I feel I made the decision I needed to. I did not want to close down, not after all of the love and hard work we all put into Cheffy Chelby’s,” she said.
“It was a successful venture, but unfortunately you can’t dig out of a hole like losing a venue without getting compensation when the cost of living is affecting so many people. It just is what it is.”
But after the initial devastation, Ms Lowe is confident that she’s turned the corner and has found true happiness.
“Since shutting the cafes I’ve finally had a chance to spend time being mum to my daughter,” she said.
“I feel that life is short and I intend to spend every day smiling and grateful for the time I had Cheffy Chelby’s. For now, it’s time with my family and working towards helping Australians on their health and wellness journey.”
Ettore Bertonati
Madre, Gilbert St – closed February 2022
Italian-born Ettore Bertonati hasn’t stopped serving up authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas since the closure of Madre just over two years ago.
Originally at Etica on Gilles St in the city and then Pizzateca in McLaren Vale, he again teamed up with the Mitolo family for One Sneaky Cheetah, a series of pizza shops combining classic Italian flavours with fair dinkum favourites.
A year ago he left the group, and earlier in 2024, launched his own mobile catering and consulting company, Back to Nap, focusing on what he does best: spinning up some of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas going around.
“It’s doing very well, honestly much better than I expected,” said Mr Bertonati, who moved to Australia from Italy about 12 years ago.
“I was a bit sad when Madre closed but I’m very happy with what I’m doing now. I’m kept very, very busy.”
The popular pizzaiolo also has plans for another bricks and mortar shop, which will serve up tasty pizzas, focaccias and sourdough bread at lunchtime in the city. Watch this space.
Filipe and Paula Horta
Horta’s Restaurant, Port Noarlunga – closed July 2023
Hospitality veterans Filipe and Paula Horta have said goodbye to their worries since selling up their beachside restaurant – but they haven’t been completely lost to the industry.
Filipe, 59, works part-time as a station waiter at highly-rated Glenelg venue, Seafire on the Marina, and he couldn’t be more content.
“We did 29 years of very good business and then we looked at each other and said, ‘Do we really need to do 80 hours a week?’ And we decided we probably don’t,” he said.
“Now I do exactly the same thing as before but I don’t have the worries of a manager, or a business owner. I don’t have the stress. I just have to focus on the service.”
Mr and Mrs Horta ran their Port Noarlunga restaurant for 12 years, and also operated the Brighton Jetty Cafe for another 12 years during their three decade-career in hospitality.
Now they’re enjoying life in the slow lane, including a six-month holiday in Europe and another break in Port Douglas on the cards later this year.
“We’re extremely comfortable with the decision. We have so much free time now – it’s so wonderful,” Mr Horta said.
“We’re too young to retire but we just don’t need the stress.”
Aaron Fenwick
The Summertown Aristologist, Summertown – closed December 2023
After seven years in charge of beloved Hills wine bar and diner, The Summertown Aristologist, Aaron Fenwick is enjoying his new life free of responsibilities.
He’s focusing his energies on Whip Wines, his rebranded wine label, and spends the rest of the week working casually in nearby vineyards and farms.
“I’m taking a gap year in a way. I’ve not committed to anything full-time,” said Mr Fenwick, who’s based in Hahndorf.
“It’s definitely enjoyable in lots of ways. In the past – and it didn’t matter where I was in the world – every Wednesday I had to process payroll and pay bills... so this is definitely less stress.”
Mr Fenwick, alongside co-owners Anton Van Klopper and Jasper Button, launched the venue in 2016, championing local produce and natural wines, carving out a strong following among SA’s food and wine lovers.
But the trio decided it was the right time its close the doors in December, and pursue other projects.
“It was very successful in some ways, and unsuccessful in others,” the 35-year-old said.
“I do miss it – but not dramatically. I miss the social interaction, the team camraderie, the energy. It was an incredible time being a business owner.
“We had a lot of fun there and I’m grateful for the journey. I learned so much and we made a little ripple in the SA dining scene.”
For now, Mr Fenwick’s keeping busy with his wine label, which he moved into a new location in Basket Range last year.
“It’s been going bonkers actually,” he said. “They’re fun, energetic wines that reflect my personality. It’s a pure example of what wine can be.”
Charlie Lawrence
Lost in a Forest, Uraidla – closed January 2024
The man behind cult Adelaide Hills favourite Lost in a Forest hasn’t strayed too far from his roots for his new venture, Square Slice pizza.
Since January, Charlie Lawrence has been serving up Detroit-style slices – rectangular in shape with a thick, crisp crust – at Crafty Robot Brewing on Grote St in the city.
And fans of Lost in a Forest’s famous toppings can still enjoy their popular Bahn Mi or Buzzbomb flavours.
“Towards the end there I was experimenting with different styles. Then two weeks after we closed, we started at Crafty,” he said.
“We’re using a lot of the same recipes, with the same flavours. It’s wonderful, it’s very busy.”
Lost in a Forest started as a hobby for Mr Lawrence and his business partner, the late, great winemaker Taras Ochota, eventually becoming one of the Hills’ top dining venues.
Housed inside an old church on Uraidla’s main street, the eatery closed at the start of 2024 after seven years.
Mr Lawrence owned the building for over a decade and only sold it recently.
“As the landlord, it was a lot of work, it was getting harder and harder... eventually I just decided it was time to change things up a bit. I’m a bit fan of reinventing yourself every now and then,” he said.
“But I miss the place. I forgot how much fun it was, it was a great venue. We’ll always have fond memories of The Forest. A lot of people loved what we did, and we certainly made our mark.”
Dan Moss and Annika Parish
Terroir Auburn, Clare Valley – closed in April 2024
Renowned chef Dan Moss wasted no time moving on from his popular regional restaurant Terroir Auburn in the Clare Valley.
Soon after closing the award-winning venue – which he launched with wife Annika Parish almost 12 years earlier – he joined nearby Skillogalee Estate as their executive head chef.
“The opportunity to join such an iconic South Australian restaurant and help drive its evolution was what kept me from accepting a position in Victoria,” Mr Moss, 40, said.
“I’m delighted to be able to continue working with the region’s outstanding local producers, and to help shape the creative vision of our acclaimed restaurant.”
While her husband has stayed in the industry, Ms Moss, 40, has taken the opportunity to pursue her interest in fashion, which includes two days a week at local Clare boutique Anneva.
The couple have no regrets about shutting their much-loved food and accommodation business.
“Knowing what we know now, and the fact the landscape has not changed in running a small business, I am super proud that Annika and I had the courage to make the correct business decision for our small family,” Mr Moss said.
However the couple said Terroir Auburn will always have a “special place in their heart”.
“We will always be proud of what we achieved out of that little restaurant. It was such a huge part of our life for so long,” Mr Moss said.
“We are now looking forward to building on what we learnt at Terroir Auburn and continue to drive a true Clare Valley experience for our guests.”
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