Samtass Bros Seafood closes; Haigh’s set to open in Adelaide Central Market

Haigh’s Chocolates is moving into the Adelaide Central Market, as Samtass Bros Seafood closes its Gouger St shop.

Haigh’s Chocolates is moving into the Adelaide Central Market, taking over the Gouger St shopfront formerly occupied by Samtass Bros Seafoods.

Family-owned fish retailer Samtass, which had operated at the Market for 25 years, did not renew their lease at the end of 2020.

Haigh’s marketing manager Fiona Krawczyk said the new store, set to open in April, would reflect a more contemporary look, mirroring their most recent opening in Sydney’s Castle Towers.

“It will be a whole new store, from floor to ceiling,” said Ms Krawczyk, adding that their current Market Arcade site would continue to trade until April. She said the investment was not yet known, as Samtass was still “bumping out”.

The switch from fresh fish to chocolate frogs marks the latest of a string of changes at the Market in recent years. Cactus Fruit & Veg closed in May 2020 after more than 30 years of trade, with Angelakis Brothers seafood moving in from their former Market Arcade site.

Michelle Farinola from Samtass at the Central Market store before it closed. Picture: Dean Martin

Other recent closures include Carousel Nut Bar (Jan 2020) and T Bar tea salon (May), both having traded in the Market for around 20 years. Baker’s Delight, Plantation Juice Co., Jamface by Poh and Comida Spanish eatery have also left.

Samtass did not return The Advertiser’s call yesterday, however it’s understood the business’s lease agreement was being discussed towards the end of last year.

“After serving the market community for over 25 years with a quality seafood offering and loyal customer base, ACMA wishes Samtass well for the future and would certainly welcome Samtass Bros back to the Market in future,” Adelaide Central Market Authority general manager Jodie Kannane said.

“There have been some recent departures, retirements and food businesses that have incubated at the Market and transitioned to other locations. The vision for the Market is to continue to operate as the world’s leading food and produce market.”

The Market would not comment on whether rent or proposed investment in renovation formed part of the discussions, as “lease arrangements are treated as commercial in confidence”.

“The Market has seen some significant investment in stall expansions by existing and fit outs by new traders,” Ms Kannane said.

Haigh's Chocolate’s Tara Smale and Sandra Markou get ready to move out of the Central Market Arcade site. Picture: Tom Huntley

Recent refurbishments include that of Marino Meat & Food Store, which enlisted popular architectural firm Sans-Arc Studio to update its look, and House of Health Collective. Newer traders include Gerwurzhaus spice bar.

Adelaide City Council is currently undertaking a $400 million redevelopment of the Adelaide Central Market Arcade, which will include additional retail and office space, a hotel and apartments, a childcare centre and public rooftop.

Samtass will continue to sell from its Richmond factory.