Edge Hill’s Botanica suddenly shuts doors over small business stress

A popular Cairns cafe and bar – which gained infamy over the manager’s Kardashian hoax – has announced its sudden closure.

A cafe owner who infamously claimed Kim Kardashian once dined at his Cairns business has been forced to close his doors.

The popular Edge Hill cafe and bar Botanica made headlines in June this year after manager Matt Black told the ABC about a visit from Kim Kardashian and then boyfriend Pete Davidson – a story that was picked up by news outlets around the world but turned out to be a hoax.

At the time Mr Black said the prank had been blown out of proportion, turning a “little local joke” into “an unbelievable mess”.

This week, Mr Black made the sudden announcement he had decided to close Botanica, citing the “overwhelming stress” of running a small business.

After a regular day Sunday, the venue announced it would not trade Monday and Tuesday due to staff shortages.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mr Black revealed the closure was permanent.

Botanica cafe on Collins Avenue at Edge Hill made the sudden announcement it has closed for business. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We tried our best to provide you all with a really great cafe, great food, amazing coffee and friendly fun staff,” Mr Black wrote in an Instagram post.

“Unfortunately small business is tough and we have decided to call it a day.

“This has been a very sad and tough decision to make. I hope you were all happy with what we created and to all our amazing, loyal customers I thank you so much.”

In a different Facebook post, Mr Black said he “really believed in this venue” but “the overwhelming stress and pressure of running a small business” had taken its toll.

“I’ve decided that Cairns is no longer where I will call home and will start the process of finding my true self on a sneaky little east coast road trip back to Melbourne,” he wrote.

Botanica manager Matt Black said it was a “tough decision” to close the restaurant, but the stress and pressure of running a small business had taken its toll. Picture: Instagram

Botanica quickly became a favourite with locals and tourists alike after opening in February this year.

Fans of the cafe rushed to express their sadness at the news.

One Facebook commenter wrote, “Oh no. So bummed. My dad raved about you guys after my recommendation. You started something brilliant”.

Another Facebook user said: “I am so so sorry. And SAD. You are an amazing group of wonderful humans xx My biggest Saturday and Sunday treats was to come to your super special cafe and treat myself to your great cooking.”

“Sorry to hear Matt. You guys are amazing,” wrote another.

Originally published as Edge Hill’s Botanica suddenly shuts doors over small business stress