‘Made it impossible’: North Adelaide Burger Bar shuts down after 73 years
This 73-year-old Aussie burger joint has survived several recessions and a pandemic, but a new threat delivered a fatal blow.
An iconic late-night favourite in Adelaide has survived several recessions and a pandemic, but the “current financial climate” has delivered the fatal blow.
North Adelaide Burger Bar called time after 73 years over the weekend, electing not to renew its lease.
In a heartfelt message from the bar’s social media, they wrote: “Unfortunately, the current financial climate, rising costs of running the business, and increased utility expenses have made it impossible for us to continue.”
“Despite our best efforts, we have made the difficult decision to close this chapter in the storied history of North Adelaide Burger Bar.”
Established in 1951, the bar claims the mantle as the first late-night food option for revellers in the South Australian capital.
“Long before late-night food stores became a common sight in Adelaide, we were here, providing delicious meals and unforgettable memories,” the business said.
“The legacy of our red and white establishment is built on the hard work, sacrifice, sweat, tears, joy, fun, and relationships of the many families who have had the honour to run this business, including our own, since 2005.”
The business went on to thank its customers, of whom there have been many, and, of course, staff.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our customers who have been part of the North Adelaide Burger Bar “family,” they wrote.
“Your support and patronage over the years have meant the world to us, and we will forever cherish the great times and memories we’ve shared.
“A special and heartfelt thank you goes out to all the amazing staff members who have worked with us over the years.
“Your dedication, hard work, and passion have been the backbone of our business, and we are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.”
The bar will close its doors for good on Monday.
The demise is the latest of many nationwide, with a string of hospitality businesses also closing doors amid the economic downturn.
Just over a week ago, iconic chef Kylie Kwong’s Sydney restaurant Lucky Kwong announced it was shutting down.
Earlier this month, the Botswana Butchery chain which operated as a high-end steak restaurant across three cities went bust, with debts of more than $23 million and more than 200 staff sacked.
Last month, after 18 years in business, Asian fusion restaurant Gingerboy shut down blaming “market pressures since Covid lockdowns”.
A number of other restaurants have joined the growing pile of corpses, including Japanese chain Sushi Bay, Elements Bar and Grill and three stores in Sydney restaurant franchise Bondi Pizza.
Last month, a Melbourne noodle bar owner detailed the immense cost pressures on independent eateries after he received criticism over his surcharges.
Boon Low, the owner of the independent Victorian Dodee Paidang restaurant chain with four stores in greater Melbourne, said surcharges are the only way forward in a tough economic climate.
Speaking candidly to news.com.au, Mr Low said that the cost pressures on the hospitality industry have made the current economic climate “as bad as Covid” for small businesses.
Among them are increased land taxes, rent, and food costs, which have almost doubled in some cases, and wages, which are expected to increase again this year.
“We’re an honest operator that doesn’t owe anyone a single cent, we have full-time staff, we pay over half a million dollars in rent, we pay the land tax on the building and it’s costing us fortune,” he said.
“The actual conversation we should be having is “what’s happening with costs? Why are we being pushed into this scenario?”
“They’re trying to obviously squeeze everything back into inflation, but it’s been bad – this is as bad a time as Covid.”
“I just want people to be aware of the fact that we are struggling and it’s not blatant profiteering.”
– With Alex Turner-Cohen