Capalaba’s Whisky Business cafe closes moving onto “new adventure”

The owners of a popular bayside cafe, which specialises in tasty macarons and has more than 30,000 social media followers, has opened up about the venue’s sudden closure.

Kylie Baker, the owner of Whisky Business at Capalaba, which has now closed.

The owners of a popular bayside cafe, which has more than 30,000 social media followers, say they have moved on to the “next adventure” after shutting up shop and entering the business into voluntary liquidation.

Whisky Business at Capalaba shocked Redlands locals when owners announced it closure on February 4 after 10 years in the community with the company put into voluntary liquidation on February 9.

The cafe increased in popularity over the past decade after becoming known for its wide range of tasty macarons with Whisky Business boasting 32,000 followers on its Facebook page along with more than 5500 on Instagram.

“Some posts are easy to write, but this one may be a little tough,” the owner posted on the business’ last day of service.

Whisky Business, Capalaba. Picture: David Kelly

“Firstly, Thank you to all of you, and there are many, who have been our biggest supporters over the past 10 years. It’s because of you we made it this far.

“However, today was our very last service.

“It’s time for us to go and have some new adventures and spend some quality time with our kids while they are still young enough to want to hang around us.

Some of the tasty food which was served at Whisky Business, Capalaba. Picture: David Kelly

“So, Thank you, Thank you! We will miss you. Take Care of yourselves.”

Whisky Business owner Kylie Baker said the business never really recovered after the Covid closures and vaccination checks.

“It’s been a long grieving process and we had to steel up and make the tough decision to end it,” she said.

“There was a year of wild weather that kept people away and that’s when we first noticed takings drop.

“We were getting more into debt ourselves and then we were hit with rising interest rates, rising food prices and wages.

“Each week we were getting further and further behind and over the past two years, my utilities bill doubled and my food costs rose $100,000 over that time.

“Our customers were also not spending the same amount which hit our bottomline as well.”

Whisky Business, Capalaba. Picture: David Kelly

Ms Baker said the demise was “bittersweet” as the restaurant was well loved.

“It was very stressful at times, including over one Ekka long weekend,” she said.

“But I am glad that it is over but wish it had been a sweeter ending.”

Ms Baker and her family will move to Yeppoon near Rockhampton for a new start.

She said the liquidation process had only just started and the business’s equipment was likely to be sold.

Almost 500 loyal customers shared their sadness about Whisky Business’ closure on social media.

“Thank you for providing thousands of delicious meals over the past 10 years. Thank you for showing up day after day and sharing your highs and lows with your customers. The hospitality industry takes a toll that most don’t understand. I can’t wait to see what you do next. Take some time to breathe first. Big love to you,” one person wrote.

“Whisky Business will always be remembered as one of the best cafes in the Redlands. Thank you for all the amazing macarons you made from home back in the days. I can totally relate to the grieving process of closing a business but family and your wellbeing comes first. Enjoy the new adventures,” another person commented.