Toowoomba business: Looking back at International Music, Charcoal Chick, Bon Amici, Blockbuster, Engine Room, Weis, Sizzler
From old school video stores to historical hotels to popular pubs, we’ve taken a look back at the businesses we’ve lost over the years. SEE THE LIST + PHOTOS
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Whether you grew up in Toowoomba, moved here as a child with your parents, and or moved as an adult, everyone has nostalgic memories of the local businesses that made the Garden City their home.
We’ve taken a look back at 11 businesses that were staples of the Toowoomba community who sadly shut their doors for good – from cafes to retail stores to recreational facilities.
Here is a list of businesses we have loved and lost over the last few decades:
Owen Ray’s International Music
Destroyed in a blaze in 2011 that left the community reeling, International Music on the corner of Ruthven and Union Streets has been closed for a decade now.
It was replaced by a Cotton On store a year later.
Charcoal Chicken
Boasting some of the best chooks in Toowoomba, Charcoal Chicken was an incredibly popular choice for residents.
Its closure shocked locals, but only made way for another popular eatery.
4 Brothers Brewing opened their new location, The Brewhouse, in July and has proven to be a popular addition to the city’s CBD, sitting proudly on Margaret Street next to the popular Jilly’s Cafe.
The Gladstone Hotel
A popular hotel in Toowoomba, the Gladstone Hotel has now been replaced by Oaks Hotel.
But history was preserved by the new development, with pieces of the former hotel incorporated into the new development.
The “ambitious” build was kicked off when developer Kenneth Wagner purchased the site and engaged design firm Mondo Architects and Precinct Urban planning to develop plans to reform the site in 2016.
Weis
Toowoomba Regional Council mayor Paul Antonio referred to the day the Weis factory closed its doors as a “sad day for Toowoomba”.
Corporate giant Unilever announced the closure of the factory in 2019, resulting in dozens of job losses.
The factory closed in January 2021.
In the wake of its closure, Unilever announced the creation of the Weis Community Fund, where 25 per cent of proceeds from the sale of the Toowoomba site would be “provided for the benefit of the community.”
The site hit the market in October 2020.
Sizzler
Sizzler was a staple in the lives of many Toowoomba residents, and its closure caused widespread shock and sadness for many.
One of the last remaining Sizzler stores in the country, Toowoomba’s restaurant closed its doors in November last year.
Just under 12 months after its closure, the site was sold to car rental company Avis.
The Angel Cafe
After more than a decade in service, Toowoomba’s beloved Angel Cafe closed its doors in early February, 2019.
At that time, the cafe owners took to Facebook, saying the business had been sold.
Blockbuster
What would our childhoods have been without trips to Blockbuster for a movie weekend?
Those nostalgic times came to an end in early 2019, when the last Blockbuster store closed its doors.
The store at Westridge Shopping Centre in Kearneys Springs kicked off a six-week closing down sale in December 2018.
The Integrated Living Wellness Centre sits in its place today.
Willow Springs Adventure Park
Bon Amici Cafe and Wine Bar
Bon Amici Cafe and Wine Bar on Margaret St closed when coronavirus restrictions came into play, and it’s now been replaced by trendy new wine and cocktail bar, Cork and Lever.
With a focus on independent winemakers, the new business boasts an extensive list of spirits, wine, and cocktails.
Skate City
This popular roller skating rink in Toowoomba shut its doors in February 2018 after 40 years, much to the disappointment of the community.
The former Skate City building has found a new purpose with Yellow Bridge QLD opening its new headquarters in 2019.
The Engine Room Cafe
The Engine Room cafe closed its doors permanently in early April 2020
After running the cafe for five years, owner Terry Jennings made the heartbreaking decision to permanently close after the impacts of COVID-19 led to him losing 80 per cent of his business.
It has now been replaced by Emerge.
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