Toowoomba business: 6 closures of popular Toowoomba businesses in 2021

From popular restaurants and cafes to a well-loved antique store see which businesses closed their doors for the last time this year.

With business still navigating the murky waters of Covid-19 restrictions and feeling the effects of border closures, 2021 was a tough year.

Take a look back at some of the businesses we said goodbye to in 2021:

Pony Espresso

There was an outpouring of sadness from the loyal customers of Toowoomba CBD cafe Pony Espresso, on the intersection of Neil and Bowen streets, when they announced in January they would be closing up shop.

In a post on social media, owners Glen and Pam Hoey cited declining customer numbers as the reason for shutting their doors.

“Unfortunately our little cafe didn’t reach the attention of enough people over the past five years we’ve been open so we have made the hard decision to close our doors,” the post said.

“We want to thank all our loyal customers, a lot who have become friends, we are certainly going to miss you all.”

Arenkay Designs

Longstanding architecture and interior design company Arenkay Designs were placed in liquidation in February this year after being in business since 1998.

“Unfortunately, we have had to close down the business due to economic reasons. We wish our clients and consultants all the very best,” a notice on the company website stated.

Weis Factory

After corporate giant Unilever announced in 2019 the Toowoomba Weis factory would be closed, the final ice cream rolled off the production line in January this year.

Weis was founded in 1957 by Les Weis, who sold his first Fruito ice creams at Pop’s corner store across from the Empire Theatre.

Geraldine Mackenzie, USQ Vice-Chancellor and Bill Armagnacq, Chairman of Heritage Bank Charitable Foundation Heritage Bank. USQ and Heritage Bank to receive a $1 million donation from Unilever after the sale of the Weis factory. Tuesday, December 7, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Darling Downs agricultural company Country Synergy was announced as the new owners of the factory in November in a deal estimated to be worth more than $4 million.

James St Grocer

The Toowoomba cafe soared to popularity in early 2019, but its rise was just as quickly as its fall when it abruptly closed in June 2021.

The spot didn’t remain empty for long with boutique cafe 95 Mary St opening in November.

Junk

Owners of Asian cuisine specialist Junk announced the Toowoomba store would close at its current Walton Stores location in July.

Todd Farr said the impending end of their lease had prompted the business to make the difficult decision to close the Walton Store location, however while he promised to “come back bigger and better in a shiny new location” those details are still a mystery.

Searchers End

For decades, Searchers End Second Hand Shop captured the imaginations of home decorators, bargain buyers and treasure hunters, as its shelves overflowed with relics of times gone by.

Sadly all of that came to an end in August when the store closed for good.

This antique dresser chiffonier is one of the thousands of items that were on offer in the Searchers End Second Hand Shop closing down sale.

In a statement, the store owners said it was too painful to continue operating after the death of founder Russell McDonald in December 2020.

There was 25 company liquidation notices issued in the Toowoomba Local Government Area for the past year. For the full list, click here.

Originally published as Toowoomba business: 6 closures of popular Toowoomba businesses in 2021