Hog’s last Breath? SA steakhouses suddenly close, but a ‘glimmer of hope’ they’ll reopen

Adelaide’s two Hog’s Breath Cafés, famous for their prime rib steaks and party atmosphere, have gone into liquidation, surprising both diners and staff — but there’s a glimmer of hope.

Adelaide’s Hog's Breath Cafes have closed their doors

Adelaide’s two Hog’s Breath Cafes, famous for their prime rib steaks and party atmosphere, have gone into liquidation, with both making brief statements about the closures via Facebook and their storefronts.

Staff and diners took to the Australian-owned, US-themed steakhouse’s Facebook pages to complain that they had found out about the sudden closure of the Glenelg and Holden Hill restaurants via social media.

Diners with bookings have posted on the two restaurants’ Facebook pages noting that they were contacted at short notice to be told that bookings would not be honoured.

Hog's Breath Cafe

The two steakhouses each posted statements on Facebook saying: “Unfortunately the store will be temporarily closed from today onwards. We apologise for the inconvenience. We hope to be serving great steaks and other meals soon.”

Andrew Heard of liquidators Heard Phillips said the franchisor and landlords of the two properties were in conversation “in the hope that (both restaurants) will open again in the near future.”

Hog's Breath Cafe

“We continue to have discussions between landlord and franchisor,” Mr Heard said.

He noted that Hog’s Breath Holden Hill and Glenelg’s “liabilities exceed their assets and they are insolvent” but added “there is a genuine glimmer of hope.”

Sally Neville, deputy chief executive officer of the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association, said the closures reflected the difficulties faced by many restaurant owners.

“This is a demonstration of the fact that it’s tough in our industry — it’s tough to make a dollar,” Ms Neville said.

“The cost of doing business is a challenge for the hospitality industry generally and the high cost of produce, electricity and labour. It is a model that is challenging if you don’t get that mix right.”

The franchisee, Jason Lane, has been associated with the Hog’s Breath Café Glenelg since 2009, and Holden Hill since 2006. He has been contacted for comment.

Hog’s Breath Café is a national chain that started in Airlie Beach, Queensland, in July 1989 by Don Algie. The chain currently boasts over 40 stores in four nations.