A popular Adelaide dessert restaurant opened by a TV baker has closed its doors less than two years after opening amid increasing cost of living pressures.
Jeremy Allan, who competed on the The Great Australian Bake Off in 2016, announced last month the closure of Urban Desserts in Glenelg.
The store, which sold an assortment of cakes and other desserts, was opened in September 2021, but struggled as traffic dipped and costs rose.
Mr Allan confirmed the closure to 7 News, saying the main reason the store closed was a lack of foot traffic and increased rent.
“(There was also) a lack of support or negotiating from landlords and realtors with small business,” Allan said.
The news came after a sign was reportedly seen pasted on the southern suburb’s store without notice thanking past customers.
“We gave it our best shot,” the post read. “Unfortunately due to lack of support – Urbans in Glenelg will no longer open.
“We want to thank the lovely people who came in when we were open.
“We know you tried to spread the word but it simply costs us more to be here then we could make.”
Urban Desserts’ two other outlets, at Colonnades Shopping Centre and Morphett Vale, will remain open.
Mr Allan told 7 News the other stores continued to do well, with Colonnades’ “in particular booming with locals”.
“(The closure) is definitely not a reflection of our other stores and locations and they will absolutely remain open,” Mr Allan said.
The closures comes as businesses around the country feel the pressure of rising costs, which have also put the pinch on customers.
Caruso’s Italian Restaurant in Gymea in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire shut its doors in March citing “greedy corporations” and cost of living.
Owner Rocky and Kerrin Pitarelli told news.com the cost of essential supplies such as fresh produce alone had become “unbearable”.