Original Cafe 63 closes falls victim to Covid-19
It was the cafe where it all started, forming a springboard for Brisbane’s own coffee chain. But now it has shut its doors following the brutal effects of the COVID-19 lockdown.
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AN ICONIC Brisbane cafe has tumbled in the wake of COVID-19.
Cafe 63 on Racecourse Rd, Hamilton has been open since 2007 but closed its doors Sunday following months of pandemic-affected trading.
Located at 63 Racecourse Rd, it was the original cafe in what has become a well-known Queensland chain.
The Ascot outlet formed the springboard for 36 other cafes dotted throughout Brisbane — including its controversial Chermside restaurant — and stretching to the Gold Coast and even Western Australia.
It is believed Express 63 Racecourse Rd — a smaller version of the cafe — will remain open and was trading today.
Owners thanked customers for their loyalty over 13 years and attributed the closure to a mix of market trends and Covid-19.
This has happened for a few reasons, changes in the market, Covid crisis and preparing for the new normal,” said signed off by founder Hamish Watson.
“We plan to seek out new opportunities to be able to deliver the ‘cafe’ experience you expect from us.
“Stay safe and see you on the other side.”
The retail and dining stip was reasonably busy today, despite the noticable lack of diners, however a constant presence of vacant shops loomed over the once thriving street.
The Cafe 63 closure adds to a multitude of for lease signs popping up along the street.
Fellow Racecourse Rd restaurant Journey Cafe and Bar closed last year and the abandoned store is yet to find tenants.
The end of the Cafe 63 business comes as business owners throughout the street shared hopes for a positive future for the famed shopping and dining strip despite the effects of Covid-19.
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