Via Boffe Cafe closed; high rent, lockdowns made trading ‘impossible’

An emotional cafe owner has served her last coffee after ten years in business. And she says other traders are “barely hanging on”

Via Boffe Cafe has lost its fight to stay open amid lockdowns and rising rents.

A popular Mornington cafe that has been a Main Street staple for a decade is the latest Covid casualty.

Via Boffe has closed after high rent and ongoing lockdowns forced owner Susanne Withington to say goodbye.

“It was a tough decision, we tried everything to stay open,” Ms Withington said.

“But in the end there was no other option.”

The businesswoman said she was unable to negotiate a more realistic rent and couldn’t see a return to her per-Covid takings.

She was also unable to sell the cafe because potential owners were “too scared” to take on a hospitality business.

“The landlord was great during the long lockdown last year but now the rents have returned to $8,500 a month and it’s not viable,” Ms Withington said.

The cafe became known for its positive messaged during lockdowns.

Ms Withington said her business would not be the last to close.

“I know a lot of other food and beverage business are barely hanging on, they are hanging on by the skin of their teeth.”

Via Boffe fought hard to stay open for the regulars during lockdowns.

“The cafe was a real gathering place for older locals. For many of them who live alone it was their point of daily human contact,” she said.

“A lot really struggled during lockdown and we did all we could, having a chat each day, providing them with take home meals.”

Ms Withington said since announcing her decision to close she had been overwhelmed by farewell messages from longtime customers.

“I’m still in denial,” Kate Allan posted.

So sad but you all should be so proud of Via Boffe. An amazing job in a challenging industry and such a positive performance during Covid,” Muffy Forsyth posted.

Ms Withington said the business continued to struggle after the long lockdown ended in 2020 because Main Street was closed to cars for the summer making it difficult for people to visit.

“Our trade dropped 30 per cent when the street was closed,” Ms Withington said.

“It seemed like a great idea and it did draw people to the area.

“But the reality is those people were window shopping and walking dogs and socialising which was beautiful to see, but didn’t translate into meals and drinks being bought.”

Mornington Peninsula Shire council closed the street to vehicles from November 13 to February 14, 2020 to provide more space for outdoor dining and help local businesses bounce back from lockdown.