The Coffee Club in Broadbeach on Gold Coast shuts doors after 21 years blaming impact of roadworks on Surf Pde

A franchise coffee outlet in Broadbeach has shut its doors, blaming the impact of road works on Surf Pde that finished more than two years ago.

The Coffee Club branch on Surf Pde in Broadbeach has closed down. Picture: Jerad Williams

THE Coffee Club outlet in Broadbeach has shut its doors, blaming the impact from road works on Surf Pde that finished more than two years ago.

Minor DKL Food Group, which owns The Coffee Club brand, confirmed the store closed in March after 21 years of trading.

A spokesman said the location became “undesirable” due to development works in the area, which referred to the upgrade of Surf Pde during 2016 and 2017.

The nine-month works on Surf Pde cost $5 million and finished in April, 2017.

The Coffee Club franchise owner David Bennedick was outspoken on the impact of roadworks on Surf Pde between 2016 and 2017. Picture: Richard Gosling

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It resulted in months of disruptive works and reported revenue falls of up to 75 per cent for some businesses. The issue was cited as part of the reason for a number of shop closures last year including Bootleg Juice Bar.

The Coffee Club Surf Pde franchisee David Bennedick was outspoken on the issue urging the council to speed up the works in late 2016 as venues on the Phoenician side of the road, where The Coffee Club is located, had the footpath right to their doorline.

However, by May the following year Mr Bennedick was quoted saying the works had resulted in a more attractive Surf Pde, albeit the refurbishment had taken longer than expected.

Mr Bennedick could not be contacted despite repeated requests for comment.

The Coffee Club branch on Surf Parade in Broadbeach has closed down. Picture: Jerad Williams

In August last year the Bulletin reported a notice of repossession had been taped to the doors of his other eatery on Surf Pde — 1two3 Mediterranean Dining & Lounge Bar.

The Minor DKL spokesman said it was decided to shut The Coffee Club store despite the lease having months left to run.

He declined to comment on whether Minor DKL had bought back the franchise stating the company was unable to disclose information about franchisees or concerning franchisee agreements.

“The Coffee Club is committed to having a presence in Broadbeach,” he said.

“We are looking at desirable locations, where we will be able to provide quality service to our customers and provide franchisees with the support they need to run an engaged and successful The Coffee Club store. While the Surf Pde store did close … we still have The Coffee Club stores in the area with the closest operating store at Pacific Fair.”