Adelaide Market Plaza Precinct’s Obun Chef announces closure

After nearly 20 years, a specialist in fluffy pancakes will be shutting up shop, devastating diners and sparking new concerns about the precinct.

A Japanese pancake business that is a staple at the Adelaide Market Plaza Precinct will close its doors this month, prompting discussion about the changing customer trend at the shopping district.

Obun Chef, which served up custard and red bean filled obanyaki – or souffle pancakes – will cease trading on July 27 after almost 20 years serving hungry shoppers.

It is the latest closure since construction works on the broader $400m Central Market Arcade redevelopment began in June 2023, with shop owners reporting a change in customer trends.

Judy Chiu, speaking on behalf of her parents Jane and Michael Chiu who opened and operate Obun Chef, said they were devastated.

Obun Chef, which served up custard and red bean filled obanyaki – or souffle pancakes – will cease trading on July 27 after almost 20 years serving hungry shoppers.

“The reason is really just they’re going to be doing redevelopment for the side of the market - our wall is connected to the food court,” Ms Chiu said.

She said another location was offered but it was not suitable for a food outlet, and they had not found another that would suit Obun Chef.

So they made the tough decision to close, but had not ruled out a return as a pop up stall.

“Winter is usually the busiest period for our business and for this part of the markets,” Ms Chiu said.

“Since Kim Wang closed, the entire section has just been dying.

“That grocer was much loved and our business is just as much loved.

“We’re heartbroken - really devastated.

“A lot of our customers have told us that because of the redevelopment, the carparking has been quite difficult and that has turned a lot of people away from coming back to the city.

“So even though it is 100 per cent (leased) in the Central Market, Market Plaza and Chinatown is not at 100 per cent any more, and carparking is significantly harder.”

She said sales have been “significantly down”, but they remained “eternally grateful” to their customers.

“We can’t express just how much we love them, and to thank them for everything,” she said.

“We may do pop-ups in the future, or events - but nothing is set in for the future, at the moment we’re too heartbroken.

“We’re very sad, we don’t want to say goodbye.”

But its neighbouring trade precinct, the Adelaide Central Market, is at full capacity, Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith says.

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith says the Adelaide Central Market is at full capacity. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Mariuz

“There’s no need to worry about the Central Market precinct and any vacancies, I don’t think we have any,” she said.

“Central Markets (are) full, the plaza’s full and there’s a real plan to keep flowing and changing.

“Let’s be honest, every shopping precinct changes as fashions change, and look what we’ve got – Goodies and Grains is being fitted out as we speak.”

Whole + Some, also known as Goodies and Grains and which operated for 33 years, also announced its closure in March this year.

Ms Lomax-Smith said a Chinese herbalist would take over the space.

Adelaide Central Market Authority general manager Fabienne Reilly said the market was “100 per cent leased”.

“Visitation over the past few months has been steady and we are delighted to report our school holiday programs have reached sold out capacity, and we look forward to one of our busiest weekends of the year with our Bastille Day festivities happening this weekend,” she said.

“While the leasing and management of neighbouring properties falls outside of the Authority’s responsibility, we remain firmly committed to fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all traders and the precinct.”

It comes as ABC Adelaide reported the closure of Obun Chef, a beloved souffle pancake stall that had served up the crispy treats in the precinct.

Obanyaki are a Japanese traditional sweet. Picture: File

Market traders told the program there had been a gradual decline in the customer numbers, and also a changing demographic in the precinct.

Nanna Hot Bake co-owner Metta told ABC Adelaide the food court had been “winding down” as it prepares for renovations.

The second-generation to operate the store, Metta said her husband had taken calls from customers concerned the shop was closing, but had reassured them it would remain open.

But she noted a drop in the number of customers through the markets.

“I feel that for example the fruit and veg, they brought in a lot of foot traffic and a customers and atmosphere, and now it’s slightly dead,” she said.

The Adelaide Central Market is at 100 per cent occupancy, according to Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Another customer told the program the Central Markets were “possibly changing for the better”.

“A few people in this space have retired rather than being pushed out,” they said.

“We’re getting another Asian grocer that will be a little more up-market.

“A little more glossy.”

The redevelopment includes planning for a new supermarket on level one “together with everyday retail services and specialist retail offerings”.

It follows the closure of Chinatown stalwart Kim Wang Supermarket in April this year.

It is understood the family behind the grocer planned to retire, rather than sell the store.

A cafe in the markets told ABC it had picked up extra business from tradies so the impact of construction was less noticeable on its operations.

“I guess we’re picking up a lot of tradies from all the construction so anywhere where the everyday shopper may be stopping hasn’t necessarily affected us,” they said.

The wider development is slated for completion in early 2026.