A popular South West cafe has shut its doors after just seven months, with the owner calling out the government for not supporting local businesses.
Townhouse Coffee Co and Cafe is a family-operated coffee house that first opened the doors to its second South West location in February, a decade after first opening in Bunbury.
Just months after opening the new storefront, the owners of the Eaton site revealed they were forced to make the “heartbreaking” decision to close the business.
“After pouring so much of our hearts, time and energy into our little café, the time has come for us to close our doors,” the business announced in a post to their followers on Friday.
“This café was never just a business to us. It became a huge part of our lives — a place filled with early mornings, long days, laughter, tears, friendships, familiar faces and countless memories that we will carry with us forever.”
The Council Drive eatery went on to explain that running a small business in the current economic climate is “really hard” due to rising costs and constant pressure.
“Small businesses are often described as the heart of our communities, but the reality is that when things get tough, it can feel like you’re expected to somehow survive on your own,” they said.
“For us, there simply hasn’t been the government support or assistance needed to help small businesses like ours through increasingly difficult times.
“We fought incredibly hard to keep going. We sacrificed, adapted and gave everything we could because this café and the community around it meant so much to us — but sometimes, giving everything you have still isn’t enough.”
Camera IconTownhouse Cafe owner Kylie Tomlinson pictured with staff Emma and Sonia at their Eaton shopfront back in February. Credit: Townhouse Cafe
The South West cafe shared a massive thank you to all the patrons who had enjoyed a cup of coffee or a bite to eat at the establishment, before ended the lengthy statement by urging Eaton residents to continue to support local stores.
“We are incredibly proud of the little community that grew around our café. No closure can take away the friendships, memories and moments we shared,” they said.
“Please continue to support your local small businesses whenever you can. Behind every one of them is a person or family giving everything they have to keep their dream alive.”
Many WA business owners quickly filled the comments of the Eaton cafe’s announcement, commiserating with the owner over the struggles of seeking government support nowadays.
“You are very correct that the government does not want small businesses to prosper or survive . . . they offer zero support in these harsh economic times,” a former cafe operator commented, revealing they had previously shut their business for similar reasons.
“Being a small business owner staying afloat has been the absolute hardest . . . the government has no interest in supporting us as we pour our blood sweat and tears into staying open,” another added.
“It’s incredibly tough out at the moment, wishing you all the best for the future,” a third South West local wrote.
The devastating closure news is the latest blow to the family-owned business — with the owner sharing in June that the Bunbury location of Townhouse Cafe was forced to shut over leasing issues.
PerthNow has contacted the Townhouse Cafe for comment.