La Aroma Italiano in Hampton Park shuts its doors after six months of trading
In less than a year three restaurants that once signalled a revival of beleaguered Hampton Park Shopping Centre have shut doors – with the pandemic restrictions proving the final straw for the latest struggling eatery.
South East
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A popular new Hampton Park eatery has been forced to shut its doors amid the coronavirus crisis.
La Aroma Italiano, which opened in September at Hampton Park’s shopping centre precinct, shut its doors in March when Stage 3 restrictions came into effect.
The restaurant was then put up for lease last week, with its “devastated” manager Gayan Wijewaradhane confirming the business would not reopen because of financial stress.
It comes after struggling businesses in the same precinct including Italian restaurant Paesano – which previously occupied La Aroma’s space – a cake shop, suddenly closed in June last year.
Then in July, nearby Heroes Burger Diner, which was renowned for its huge burger offerings, with foodies across Melbourne travelling to try them, also shut its doors.
The former derelict food market site, which was demolished on April 6 last year after a longstanding community campaign, is now vacant land.
“It has been a really sad time for me and for the community. We unfortunately had to close as the area is struggling at the moment and it’s impossible to keep a business afloat,” Mr Wijewaradhane said.
“Before coronavirus really started, we were already struggling to pay the rent of almost $10,000 and centre outgoings of $4500 every month. We were low in sales, we even dropped the price of food but it didn’t make a difference.”
He said he was concerned for other businesses in the area, which he believed were on the brink of closure.
“I know of several other local businesses including fish and chip shops that are really doing it tough, it’s so important more than ever to support local businesses.
Mr Wijewaradhane, who has a 457 working visa, said he was also unable to apply for permanent residency due to the business closing.
“I am looking for a sponsor as I have to work for two years in the same place before I can apply for a permanent residency.
“I’m a hard worker and I’m willing to work in any suburb. I thank all of the community that supported me and the business over the past few months.”
Tania Sacco, who has lived in the area for 20 years and is part of several community groups, said people was saddened by the restaurant’s closure.
“The food and service were excellent, it does seem like businesses do struggle in that location, Sugar Buns does really well because they’re on the opposite side and they have the foot traffic,” Ms Sacco said.
She said the precinct desperately needed a facelift.
“If the area looks cheap and nasty then people will treat it with no respect, but if it was more presentable like other surrounding suburbs such as Lynbrook, it would draw more people in and encourage people to shop locally.”
“I think it’s important for businesses to get innovative, if another business opens in the same spot, a coffee take away window would be a great idea,” she said.
Consumer expert Dr Gary Mortimer said the coronavirus had changed the way restaurants operated throughout Australia.
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“During this time, some businesses including five star restaurants moved to a take away options or even cook at home meals, so it is important for business to be smart and create a revenue stream into their business when they’re unable to trade as per normal,” Dr Mortimer said.
Hampton Park Shopping Centre has been contacted for comment.