Acclaimed community hub and restaurant shuts down after eight years of service
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The food and beverage industry is ever-changing.
From emerging food trends to changing consumer habits, we have seen several restaurants and businesses close shop.
However, a local favourite in Sydney dimmed its neon lights for the last time following a heartbreaking turn of events.
Downtown Brooklyn, a cult burger bar in Penrith, announced its sudden closure due to the tragic death of the business' patriarch, affectionately called 'Big Poppa'.
The High Street burger joint, which first opened as Big Poppa's Burger Bar in 2016, has been a fixture in the community for eight years.
Its final day of operations will be on 22 December, days after Big Poppa's funeral.
News of the restaurant's closure shocked and saddened its patrons.
Many considered Downtown Brooklyn to be a community hub where people come together to grab a bite or make memories.
The owners of Downtown Brooklyn took to social media to share a touching tribute to Big Poppa.
'He may have delivered your food during the Covid days, greeted you with a warm smile as you walked in, seated you at your table, or shared one of his legendary chinwags while you waited,' the owners wrote in a statement.
'His kindness, humour, and larger-than-life personality touched everyone who walked through our doors.'
The decision to close the shop was 'incredibly tough' according to the owners.
However, they expressed their gratitude to their 'amazing burger lovers'.
'Your support has meant everything to us, and you've been the reason we've kept going, even during the toughest times.'
Downtown Brooklyn was not just known for its delicious burgers; it was also a place that sparked conversations.
In early 2021, the restaurant found itself at the centre of a debate after commenting about activists against Australia Day.
The owner, Chris O'Shea, faced a fierce online backlash and later issued an apology to the Indigenous community and anyone else who was offended by the post.
He then acknowledged the hurt caused and accepted the consequences of the controversy, stating that the post was never intended to be hateful.
The closure of Downtown Brooklyn marked the end of an era for Penrith's culinary scene.
It's a stark reminder of the fragility of family businesses and the profound impact they have on their communities.
Have you ever dined at Downtown Brooklyn before? Do you have any favourite restaurants that you miss? Share your dining memories with us in the comments section below.
From emerging food trends to changing consumer habits, we have seen several restaurants and businesses close shop.
However, a local favourite in Sydney dimmed its neon lights for the last time following a heartbreaking turn of events.
Downtown Brooklyn, a cult burger bar in Penrith, announced its sudden closure due to the tragic death of the business' patriarch, affectionately called 'Big Poppa'.
The High Street burger joint, which first opened as Big Poppa's Burger Bar in 2016, has been a fixture in the community for eight years.
Its final day of operations will be on 22 December, days after Big Poppa's funeral.
Downtown Brooklyn served comfort food for locals during their eight years in business. Image Credit: Instagram/Downtown Brooklyn
News of the restaurant's closure shocked and saddened its patrons.
Many considered Downtown Brooklyn to be a community hub where people come together to grab a bite or make memories.
The owners of Downtown Brooklyn took to social media to share a touching tribute to Big Poppa.
'He may have delivered your food during the Covid days, greeted you with a warm smile as you walked in, seated you at your table, or shared one of his legendary chinwags while you waited,' the owners wrote in a statement.
'His kindness, humour, and larger-than-life personality touched everyone who walked through our doors.'
The decision to close the shop was 'incredibly tough' according to the owners.
However, they expressed their gratitude to their 'amazing burger lovers'.
'Your support has meant everything to us, and you've been the reason we've kept going, even during the toughest times.'
Downtown Brooklyn was not just known for its delicious burgers; it was also a place that sparked conversations.
In early 2021, the restaurant found itself at the centre of a debate after commenting about activists against Australia Day.
The owner, Chris O'Shea, faced a fierce online backlash and later issued an apology to the Indigenous community and anyone else who was offended by the post.
He then acknowledged the hurt caused and accepted the consequences of the controversy, stating that the post was never intended to be hateful.
The closure of Downtown Brooklyn marked the end of an era for Penrith's culinary scene.
It's a stark reminder of the fragility of family businesses and the profound impact they have on their communities.
