Toowoomba business closures hit hard in first few months of 2022

While it may only be four months into the year, 2022 has already seen more than half a dozen stores close across Toowoomba. See the list here:

It’s been a rough start to 2022 for many businesses around Toowoomba, and after enduring rising Covid numbers and increased restrictions some businesses have found the pressure too much to bear.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Toowoomba local government area saw an increase of 3.3 per cent of businesses operating in the 2020-21 financial year, with 16,078 operating at the end of the financial year.

However, since 2022, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce president Todd Rohl said some businesses have had to cop the brunt of Covid restrictions and prevailing economic conditions as a result of the pandemic.

“We have been reaching out to our members as we are very concerned,” he said.

“There not just the financial, but also the mental stress that a business closing can have on its owners.

“From December (2021) onwards we have been concerned with business confidence especially in the CBD which took a dramatic hit over Christmas and the beginning of the year.

“We’re hopeful these businesses can push through and we continue to see the economy rebound but there have been some troubling times.”

Here are some of the businesses that have closed in 2022:

Bar Wunder

Police stand blocking the entrance to Bar Wunder as people gather on the footpath outside the Toowoomba bar shut down over failing to comply with public health orders, Friday, December 31, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Following protests against the state government’s vaccine requirements and public health measures, Bar Wunder took to social media in April to announce they would be closed for good.

The business had been closed for some months after the owners had allegedly failed to comply with Covid-19 regulations and they had their trading licence suspended by the OLGR.

Burger Chef

Hospitality trainee Tyrone Bland in the new venue of Emerge Cafe at the old Burger Chef in Margaret St, Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

After closing over the Christmas break the popular corner store did not reopen come the start of 2022.

The location is now home to social enterprise Emerge, after they were forced to move from their Railway Street location in January 2022.

“We didn’t plan to move (from Railway Street), that was never our intention but a few things forced our hand, and Covid was a big culprit over the past few years,” Emerge CEO Jen Shaw said.

Cafe Guitar

Steve and Katie Eastaugh close Cafe Guitar to concentrate on Bandland. Friday, January 14, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

In 2019 Katie Eastaugh opened Cafe Guitar to complement her husband Steven’s music store Bandland.

After more than two years hosting an array of talented musicians and artists of all genres and styles as a live music coffee shop, Ms Eastaugh said the cafe would close in January so the pair could focus on Bandland.

Coffee Emporium

Coffee Emporium staff and owners (from left) Georgia Poole, James Riwaka, Lachlan Hunter and Penny O'Neill as wearing of masks is compulsory in most indoor settings, Sunday, January 2, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

For two years the well-loved coffee shop in Grand Central did all they could to hold back the worst of Covid-19 but as debt accrued owner Penny O’Neill said the pressure had become too much.

The business was forced to close in April, and while Ms O’Neill said she was disappointed they have found a new home at Preston Manor Village and Chapel.

Gail Walker Swim School

A Highfields institution for close to two decades, owners of the popular swimming school Gail Walker and Sandy McCarthy took to social media this month to announce the business would be closed following renovation work forced the temporary closure of their facilities.

“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that after 18 wonderful and exciting years, the swim school is officially closed,” the post stated.

“Thank you for your trust in sharing your families and memories with us.”

Lenard's Chicken

An example of a Lenard's Chicken Ready To Go store that was open in Lutwyche. The business is undergoing a revamp, and the recently closed Clifford Gardens store could be part of the new business model.

After 16 years in Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre, Lenard’s Chicken ceased trading in January.

Paying tribute to owner of 11 years Trevor Harvey for his contribution to the business, including multiple Franchise Owner of the Year award wins, Lenard’s CEO and owner Lenard Poulter said the closure meant there was an opportunity for a new franchisee to take part in a revamp of the business model.

Passiontree Velvet

Passiontree Velvet has left Grand Central after close to six years operating at the centre.

The second cafe to close in Grand Central in a matter of months, Passiontree Velvet closed its doors in recent weeks after first opening in June 2016.

The shopping centre’s retail manager Simon Mills confirmed the closure but reiterated Grand Central would remain a retail and hospitality hub for Toowoomba.

“We continue to experience strong demand for retail space, and the centre remains committed to ensuring our retail offer evolves with the demands of the region,” he said.