Stop the music, Geelong’s Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues on Little Malop St is closing

Long-running Little Malop St venue Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues has made the “difficult” decision to close in a tough economy.

Pistol Pete's Food n Blues. Photo: Supplied

Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues will be closing its doors for good.

Pete Raimondo and wife Kerri, owners of the Geelong food and music venue announced the closure on Instagram today – their last day of service to be Sunday, June 30.

The couple said the “sad” decision followed an ongoing “struggle to maintain the businesses’ viability.

“After an amazing 10 years of bringing the tastes and sounds of the south to Geelong and beyond, it’s time to make the hardest call of all,” the couple said.

“We have tried our best to work through the many challenges that have landed on our doorstep, with a positive attitude and a smile on our faces.”

“We too have had to take a hard and honest look at where we are and what we need to do going forward.”

“This has been a very difficult and confronting decision for us to make.

The 93 Little Malop St restaurant specialises in Southern American, Louisiana and blues music and food.

Since it first opened in 2014, it has since grown a cult following in the Geelong music and dining scene.

Peter Raimondo in the days before the opening of his venue. Picture: Karen Dodd

Pete and Kerri said the increasing cost of goods, insurance, staffing, power and gas, paired with a decrease in customers, meant the business was no longer be viable.

They said they had decided not to renew their upcoming lease.

“As we are seeing all too often lately, many food & music venues are closing due to economic circumstances and changes in the way people choose to socialise and entertain themselves,” they said.

“Over the next seven weeks, we will continue to bring you the great food and great music that we have become known for.”

The pair thanked their staff, loyal customers, and everyone who had stepped through the doors at 93 Little Malop St.

“We appreciate & thank you for your patronage and support in turning a dream into reality,” they said.

“Yes, this is a very sad occasion, but we want it to also be a celebration of what has been achieved, the friends made and the good times had.”

Originally published as Stop the music, Geelong’s Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues on Little Malop St is closing