The Latin Shack cafe, Samford Valley, to close in May

A unique north Brisbane cafe will be shutting its doors next month following three years of successful business – much to the dismay of its loyal customers.

The Latin Shack Cafe has announced a shock closure. Picture – Facebook.

Despite cultivating a successful business during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, a north Brisbane cafe has announced it will be closing its doors next month.

Paul and Margarita Wilkinson took over the lease for Samford Valley’s The Latin Shack Cafe at the end of 2019.

They started operating right as the first Covid-19 lockdown hit in April, 2020.

“We’d just signed on for a five-year contract so we just had to make it work,” Mr Wilkinson said.

The couple had been living in the area for about two years before taking on the business venture.

“It used to be a small coffee place and when the guy who ran it left we thought it would be a good business opportunity,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“Starting during Covid was really challenging but we got through it and now have a lot of loyal and mostly local customers.

“The customers mean a lot to us and we couldn’t do it without them.”

Paul and Margarita Wilkinson. Picture – contributed.

The charming drive through cafe also offers customers a dine-in option, with stunning views of Samford Valley.

Known for their all-day Latin inspired menu, they also served up breakfast classics such as avocado on toast, a brekkie burger, ham and cheese croissants and more.

Devastatingly, the couple has now announced their plans to close the business.

Mr Wilkinson said they also had disagreements with the landlords after they changed in October last year.

“We’re very sad it’s come to this but we have accepted it’s for the best,” he said.

“It’s been a pleasure having the Latin Shack and we love all of our regulars and loyal customers.

“We haven’t announced the closure properly but word has gotten around and a lot of people are really upset.”

Mr Wilkinson said they had hoped to stay until the end of their five year lease, and possibly even sign on for another five years.

“The current plan is to start up somewhere else with a coffee cart,” he said.

“We don’t have a location yet but are working on it and will keep our customers updated.”