Cibo Espresso cafes in Adelaide CBD and two North Adelaide sites go into liquidation

Four Cibos have closed and are in liquidation, but are set to be transformed into Gloria Jean’s after the statewide takeover.

Cibo Espresso cafe on the corner of King William St and Grenfell St closed down in March 2025. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

Three Cibo Espresso cafes in Adelaide’s city and North Adelaide have permanently closed after being placed into liquidation, making it four in five days.

But the closures are unrelated to the statewide coup to transform the franchised coffee shops into Gloria Jeans, the new owner of the business said.

The busy CBD store on the corner of King William St and Grenfell St shut its door on Monday, with lights turned off and seats stacked on the table.

A Retail Food Group (RFG) spokesperson confirmed the popular cafe was placed into liquidation, along with the O’Connell St and Melbourne St sites at North Adelaide.

Last week, it was revealed the Prospect Rd cafe was also closed and in liquidation.

In November last year, the state’s 22 Cibo Espresso cafes were acquired by Gold Coast-based RFG, which said it would turn them into Gloria Jean’s outlets.

The RFG spokespersons said the recent liquidation of the four sites was “disappointing for all parties”, but was unrelated to their acquisition of the Cibo brand.

Cibo Espresso cafe on the corner of King William St and Grenfell St closed down in March 2025 after going into liquidation. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

Cibo Espresso coffee shop on Melbourne Street in North Adelaide has closed after going into liquidation.

CIBO Espresso on Prospect Rd closed down after going into liquidation.

“We had hoped to work with all existing Cibo franchisees to explore opportunities to revitalise their outlets and pursue growth, and we know these decisions will be upsetting for the franchisees and their loyal customers,” the spokesperson said.

RFG said they believe the four cafe sites still “offer great potential” for the Gloria Jean’s brand.

“We are currently talking to all parties about the possibility of converting sites to Gloria Jean’s so customers will still to be able to get great coffee and food,” they said.

“We continue to work with all Cibo franchisees on the best options for their individual outlets and customers, including conversion to Gloria Jean’s outlets.”

Last week, the now-former Prospect Rd site closed down after business owners met with liquidators.

Following the announcement of RFG’s acquisition of Cibo Espresso, the Liberal Party launched a petition in hopes of saving the iconic coffee franchise – fearing the move would result in hundreds of job losses across the state.

The boutique coffee franchise was founded in Adelaide in 2000 by Roberto Cardone, Salvatore Pepe, Angelo Inglese and Claudio Ferraro.

The success of their first site on Rundle St, the Italian-style coffee cafe grew to 18 franchise locations and four company-owned sites across Adelaide.

Originally published as Cibo Espresso cafes in Adelaide CBD and two North Adelaide sites go into liquidation