Burleigh Social cafe closes doors leaving locals shocked

ONE of the Gold Coast’s most popular eateries has suddenly shut its doors, leaving locals shocked.

Popular southern Gold Coast eatery Burleigh Social has suddenly closed its doors, leaving locals stunned. Photo: Jerad Williams

ONE of the Gold Coast’s most popular eateries has suddenly shut its doors, leaving locals shocked.

The owners of Burleigh Social Club took to social media last night to inform their 25,000 followers of the shock closure, however did not give a reason why.

“That’s a wrap!” The post read.

“We have met a lot legends and some awesome friends. I still remember my first ever customers, very stoked to have met you all and shared life experiences with over the years.”

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Jarrod Barnett and co-owner Ray Lich with Emily Smith at Burleigh Social. Picture: John Gass

The post was met with a flurry of comments from regulars who were stunned to hear of the closure.

“We have tired to go three times in the past week too! They said they were doing electrical works and going to be open yesterday, but they weren’t!” one commenter said.

“We’re going to miss our local gem so much. Thanks for keeping us functioning with the best brew these past few years,” said another.

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An instagram post from Burleigh Social, notifying its followers of its sudden closure. Picture: Instagram.

Burleigh Social was started in 2014 by co-owners Jarrod Barnett, Kane Gibson and Ray Lich, who previously worked together for airline companies.

While starting out as a humble takeaway coffee shop, it grew to encompass food and quickly became one of the Gold Coast’s most popular breakfast destinations.

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The cafe became so popular that it soon drew the attention of council over parking complaints in the area. Photo: Jerad Williams

By 2016 the venue became so popular that it was the centre of an ongoing dispute with Gold Coast City Council over customer parking issues on neighbouring streets and extending hours.

A social media campaign was formed to ‘Save the Social’ from closure over the parking issues, with the cafe and council understood to have resolved the issue.

That same year Mr Barnett opened up a spin off cafe called Society of Florida in Broadbeach Waters, however it closed just over a year later.

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Burleigh Social formed in 2014. Picture: Jerad Williams

Despite the closure of its sister project, Burleigh Social appeared to be going strong, with the venue announcing kitchen works and a new menu in 2019.

The Gold Coast Bulletin contacted the owners for comment but did not receive a reply at time of publication.