‘Power to the people’: Popular Sydney cafe claims victory after shock closure fears

A brutal sign last week all but signalled the end for an iconic Sydney eatery. Now, there has been a dramatic development.

Patrons of a popular Sydney cafe are relishing the news its doors remain open after a brutal note a week ago all but signalled the end.

There were fears that Contessa Balmain was closed for good on October 23 after a blistering note hung its window.

“Due to physical and mental health reasons, Marco is no longer able to keep the doors of Contessa Balmain open,” the sign penned by owner Marco Adoncello read.

“Every attempt was made to keep the legacy alive, but unfortunately, the selfish actions of the landlord squashed any hopes of that happening.”

Contessa Balmain has been servicing the affluent inner-Sydney neighbourhood for the best part of 20 years.

Mr Adoncello became head chef and owner of the Darling Street restaurant over a decade ago.

Gutted locals flooded a post on Facebook to express their shock and sadness at the unexpected news.

“Gut-wrenching. Marco welcomed us to Balmain when we moved there by offering us orange cake. Went there religiously,” one lamented.

Another added: “So there will be another empty shop on the main road.”

One asked: “If Contessa can’t survive, who can?”

The note hanging in the window of Contessa Balmain last week.

But late last week, the eatery’s social media feeds kicked back to life.

“Is Contessa open again?” one man inquired under a post of some Contessa Corn Cakes.

“Yes it sure is,” the cafe responded.

The man replied: “Bravo Marco”.

While it’s unclear what deal, if any, was struck, news.com.au understands Contessa Balmain and its landlord spent last week in negotiations.

Rose Adoncello, co-owner with Husband Marco, also said recent industry challenges had “lit a fire” in her head-chef husband, Marco.

“Due to the overwhelming response from the Balmain community and beyond, Marco and his crew are reopening Contessa Balmain on Friday 27th October 7am,” she wrote in a community Facebook group.

“It has been a challenging year for Marco, but I can honestly say that all the love and support he’s received recently has lit a fire in him that I haven’t seen in a long time.

“The power of the people is real, and the people of Balmain are like no other.

“Thank you for your love and support.”

Inner West Council mayor Darcy Byrne was among those to welcome the establishment’s return after its brief hiatus.

“Great news – Bar Contessa is back,” he declared last week.

“After the massive community response to the news of their closing Marco, Rose and their team are reopening,” he said.

Contessa Balmain, a popular cafe in Sydney’s inner west, faced an uncertain future after a note from the owner Marco Adoncello announced the closure. Picture: Craig Wilson

The last two years have seen a wave of closures in the Sydney hospitality sector with institutions like Chippendale restaurant Jung Sung and the iconic Town and Country pub.

Jung Sung co-owner Dan Freene attributed soaring interest rates, increased produce prices and rising staff wages to the closure in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.

Town and Country, the Sydney pub made famous by Slim Dusty, closed its doors in July, citing ongoing tensions with its landlord.

Patrick Coghlan, chief executive of CreditorWatch, last week revealed business conditions remain challenging and hospitality businesses are at particularly high risk of facing financial trouble.

“Rents, energy prices and the cost of services are keeping the heat in inflation,” Mr Coghlan said.

“Our forecast is still for the business failure rate to increase over the next 12 months.”

News.com.au has contacted Contessa Balmain for further comment.

– With Shannon Molloy