Cafe Moto, Carrum, will shut blaming impact of level crossing work

Owners of a once-thriving Carrum cafe say the “devastating impact” of level crossing construction has led to the hardest call they’ve ever had to make.

Cafe Moto in Carrum has been struggling to keep afloat with level crossing removal works nearby and is now shutting. Staff Sian Jones, Miles Duggan and Julia Levis are devastated. Picture: Josie Hayden

Owners of a once booming Carrum cafe have blamed level crossing removal works for the closure of their beloved business.

After four years of trade and a recent uphill battle for business during construction works at Carrum station, owners Liz and Peter Jones took to Facebook to announce their coffee shop Cafe Moto would be closing its doors.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I update you, our community and friends about the closure of Cafe Moto … the reality is we just could not endure the obstacles before us,” Ms Jones said on Facebook.

Cafe Moto has been suffering multiple issues including the level crossing removal works started. Picture: Josie Hayden

“It’s no secret that the disruption from the Level Crossing Removal Project had a devastating impact on us this year … the truth is, the damage was just too great to enable us to recover.”

In June, the owners announced they were more than $25,000 in debt.

Ms Jones told the Leader sales dropped 53 per cent as road crews, power companies and other workers linked to the project “completely” blocked off the cafe in April.

Three level crossings are due to be removed in the area. Carrum Station was demolished in July, with the construction of a new station expected to be complete by early 2020.

Carrum railway station being demolished in July.

Ms Jones said the building project along with wage increases in July led to the “hardest call” she and her husband have ever made.

The couple, who pride themselves as advocates for ethical business, locally grown products and fair wages, said they hoped their story would encourage state government to provide financial support to businesses impacted by infrastructure projects.

Mr Jones urged their loyal customers to support “ethical” employers on the station strip and to look out for job opportunities for their now redundant staff.

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“While we didn’t achieve profit, we did create the most caring, resilient, accepting and supportive team of people I have worked with,” she said.

“This weekend, Mr Moto, the Moto kids and I are having our first weekend off in a very long time. It feels very strange to be honest. Life will go on … kids will go to school, dinner will be cooked, dog will be walked and I will look for another job.

“We have been privileged to share your stories, your joy and your adventures over the last four years … thank you can’t even come close.”