Rymill Park kiosk started by flamboyant Adelaide identity Arnie Rossis closes permanently

THE family of the flamboyant businessman Arnie Rossis has closed the Rymill Park kiosk named in his honour, citing construction of the O-Bahn tunnel among reasons for their decision.

Arnie Rossis, pictured in 2008 in the Rymill Park lake. His family has announced this week it will not reopen the kiosk named in his honour. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt

THE family of the flamboyant businessman Arnie Rossis has closed the Rymill Park kiosk named in his honour citing construction of the O-Bahn tunnel among reasons for their decision.

“To all our loyal and dear customers, it is with heavy hearts and tremendous sadness we inform you of our decision not to reopen the doors of Arnie’s,” a social media post co-signed by Mr Rossis’ daughters Ester and Leah said.

“It has been a very hard decision to make. Unfortunately we are emotionally and financially drained. We do not have the resources to move forward and reopen our beloved Arnie’s.”

Mr Rossis opened the Adelaide City Council-owned kiosk in 1998 but was forced to step away from the business in 2013 due to an ongoing battle with cancer.

He died in March 2016 aged 67.

“The last 4 years have been particularly hard, firstly with the passing of our father, friend and biggest supporter Arnie,” his family said on Facebook.

“Also with the O-Bahn construction works impacting us significantly, the lake being neglected and not usable and most recently going through the public tender process (just to name a few).

“We will forever treasure 20 years of memories Arnie’s has given us. We will undoubtedly miss every one of our beautiful customers and friends, there are too many to single out but please know you have touched our hearts.”

Ester and her husband Paul Harding took over the kiosk in 2013.

Rymill Park kiosk owner Paul Harding raises the issue of the lake’s quality in January. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Mr Harding raised his concerns about the future of Arnie’s in April when the council announced it would put the lease out to tender.

At the time he said the kiosk had suffered a drop-off in trade of 75 per cent due to construction work on the O-Bahn tunnel.

A council spokesman said there has been no decision made on a successful operator of the kiosk.

Mr Harding declined to comment on the closure when contacted today.