Popular southside eatery Frida Kahlo’s Summer House suddenly closes

A popular southside restaurant and cocktail bar, known for its colourful decor celebrating a famous Mexican painter, has become the latest hospitality industry victim of soaring costs.

Frida's was popular for functions and social catch-ups.

Popular Kangaroo Point eatery Frida Kahlo’s Summer House has suddenly closed, with the business now in voluntary liquidation.

It is the latest in a wave of closures of top Brisbane eateries, which have battled years of lockdowns, lack of staff, rising costs and a slowing economy.

In June last year nearby favourite Medley cafe/restaurant had to shut for more than a month after being unable to fill 15 staff positions, despite offering top wages and conditions.

Frida Kahlo’s, named after the famed Mexican painter whose life was made into a movie starring Salma Hayek, was trading as recently as Mother’s Day.

Diners posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page about the great menu and service.

Frida's was popular for functions and social catch-ups.

“Fantastic Mother’s Day lunch. Fast and friendly service,’’ one happy customer posted.

The venue had a 4.7 rating on TripAdvisor, with many positive reviews about the service and atmosphere.

Owner Diego Rodriguez said he opened two-and-a-half years ago and it had been a hard slog for most of that time.

“We’ve had a lot of debt because of Covid, which was really hard with the vaccination rules – one in 10 people wasn’t vaccinated, which is one in 10 of your customers,’’ Mr Rodriguez said.

The venue was known for its Mexican cocktails as well as its take on traditional Mex fare.

“Food prices are very high and wages are ridiculous.

“The amount of money you have to pay to get people to work Sundays or Saturdays — you need to bring a lot of people into the venue to pay for that.’’

Mr Rodriguez said although they were not flooded in 2022 the deluge, which hit Kangaroo Point hard, had affected consumer confidence.

He had also noticed a decline in trade since interest rates began to rise.

“Hospitality is very hard. I will start new businesses, but not a restaurant again,’’ he said.

“I am from Ecuador but lived most of my life in Australia.

The colourful venue paid homage to the Mexican painter of the same name and her over-the-top home.

“I ran restaurants in Mexico, but it’s too hard here.’’

He has filed for voluntary liquidation, with Matthew Joiner of national accountancy form Cor Cordis appointed on May 18 to handle the matter.

Frida Kahlo’s occupied a prime location between the riverwalk and Story Bridge, on Goodwin St, and catered for functions of up to 120 people as well as lunches and dinners, seven days a week.

It billed itself as having the best margaritas in Brisbane, as well as bottomless brunches and tapas.

Its bold, bright decor was an homage to Frida Kahlo’s distinctive art and her famous house “La Casa Azul” in Mexico City.