Reds Fish and Chips Takeaway in Nanango closes

It has been a sad week in Nanango, with the owner of a popular local business confirming the doors have closed permanently in the wake of rising costs and staff burnout.

Reds Fish and Chips Takeaway store has permanently closed its doors.

A popular South Burnett takeaway store has been forced to close its doors after struggling cost-of-living pressures and burn out.

Reds Fish and Chips takeaway in Nanango closed its doors for the final time on Tuesday night, January 23, 2024, due to financial strains, according to a statement put out by owner Rebecca Reid.

The popular takeaway store had been running for more than three years, but Ms Reid said she was unable to keep the doors open.

“The rumour mill is actually true this time,” Ms Reid said in a public post to Facebook.

“Reds Fish and Chips closed it doors for the final time Tuesday night.

“With the increasing stock prices and the price of living continuing to rise, there is no way we could continue to provide quality food and any kind of decent prices,” Ms Reid said.

She also said the pressure of working seven days a week left her and the team “pretty burnt out”.

Reds Fish and Chips Takeaway store in Nanango has permanently closed its doors.

Ms Reid said with so many price rises there was no money left over to pay for anything else other than stock and minimal staff wages.

“We just couldn’t justify the prices we were going to have to charge the public and we could not absorb the price rises any longer,” she said.

“We have had some of the best times of our lives owning Reds and serving this little community … it has been the hardest decision we have ever had to make.”

Ms Reid said she had been putting off closing the business for some time but after weighing everything up she decided it was the best thing to do.

Reds Fish and Chips Takeaway store in Nanango has permanently closed its doors.

“A lot of blood sweat and tears has gone into building this business and we have enjoyed every minute of it but it is time to step away … we have worked ourselves to the bone and need a well-earned rest.

“We would like to thank all our valued customers who have stood by us and kept our drive going … thank you to everyone for your support and kindness, we were so happy to have served you all.”

Locals were saddened to hear the news, Susan Klein said she knew how much hard work had gone into the shop.

“Thank you for everything you have done for the community,” Ms Klein said.

She also pleaded for the community to support local businesses.

Teresa Christie expressed her sadness and said it is “a massive loss to the community”.