Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre charcoal chicken shop shuts doors

A charcoal chicken shop has shut its doors in Melbourne’s south, with its owner blaming skyrocketing rent. And other traders from the same shopping centre say increasing rents are making life tough.

John Petropoulos blames skyrocketing rent for his charcoal chicken store’s demise. Picture: Norm Oorloff

A popular charcoal chicken shop has shut its doors, with the owner blaming skyrocketing rent.

And other business owners in the Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre say increasing rent is making life tough.

John Petropoulos, 64, who owned the chicken shop for two years, said he was evicted on March 24, blaming centre manager Savills for continually “jacking up the rent” and offering a lack of support for traders.

Mr Petropoulos, who has kidney disease and struggled to pay about $6000 in monthly rent, said his health had worsened in the past year after spending his life savings of $180,000 to keep the business afloat.

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“I’m three months behind in rent and six months behind in outgoings — it’s bleeding us dry,” he said.

Mr Petropoulos said he was refused support by centre management.

“We were told by Savills and the centre’s owner Pretlock in October 2017 that there would be an outdoor area for customers, and I spent almost $9000 on new equipment including a char griller and coffee machine.

“We waited more than a year for these changes, but I was then told the outdoor area was no longer happening.”

Aspendale Gardens shopping centre charcoal chicken owner John Petropoulos says skyrocketing rent has forced him to shut down his store. Picture Norm Oorloff

He said he kept asking Savills when the changes to his lease would come into effect so he could extend the store’s menu, but never received a date.

“It was devastating to lose all that money,” he said.

“The whole experience has been heartbreaking particularly saying goodbye to our loyal customers over the past two years.”

Valentino’s Pizza and Pasta owner Khan Khalili said he was also struggling.

“I asked centre management to help me as the rent keeps going up by 4 per cent every year, but nothing happened,” he said.

“I’m struggling to support my family as we are making absolutely no profit.”

Fruit shop owner Xiang Ling said he was concerned after his rent went up by 20 per cent.

“I have no money left and I want to upgrade my shop, but I just can’t afford to do it,” he said.

Savills’ commercial management associate director Caroline Fulford said most of the centre’s loyal tenants had been there for more than 10 years, with the majority continuing their lease.

Ms Fulford said the centre’s internal mall was “totally refurbished” a few years ago, costing $250,000.

“We acknowledge that retail is tough at the moment, but the feedback we receive from the vast majority of our tenants, customers and the local community is positive,” she said.