In a bittersweet turn of events, Adelaide bakery Abbots and Kinney announced the closure of its Elizabeth Street store in Croydon.

The cult favourite, renowned for its delectable pastries and cakes, has succumbed to the harsh economic climate that is seeing rising costs force many cherished local businesses to shutter their doors.

The news of Abbots and Kinney's closure is a reminder of the fragility of small businesses in today's economic landscape.

Managing Director Richard Wilson took to social media with a heavy heart to inform the community that the combination of expiring leases and increasing prices has made it untenable to continue operations at the Croydon location.

Adelaide's Abbots and Kinney bakery closed due to rising costs. Credit: @abbotsandkinney / Instagram

'Leases expiring, prices increasing … it’s something we’re hearing more and more often these days with lots of businesses being forced to make tough decisions,' he expressed.

‘Thank you to all our patrons, past and present. All our staff and anyone who supported [us] along the way,'

The announcement has sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media, with customers sharing their dismay and fond memories of the bakery.

'Devastated, but we’re lucky to have multiple locations,' commented one customer

'So many memories and feelings of new motherhood linked to this place.' another wrote.

While the Croydon store's closure is a loss for the community, Abbots and Kinney fans can find solace because six other locations remain open for pastry pleasures.

With four stores in the city and two others in Malvern and North Terrace, the bakery's legacy continues.

Moreover, there's a glimmer of hope with the announcement of a new store set to open in Adelaide's north-east, though the date remains under wraps.

Abbots and Kinney's journey began in June 2015, when founder John Pisanelli opened the first store on Pirie Street.

The business quickly flourished, expanding to multiple locations and earning the title of Adelaide's best café in 2021.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Abbots and Kinney were among the few cafes that kept trading.

However, the closure of the Croydon store is not an isolated incident. It follows the recent shutdown of the famous seafood restaurant Angler in Stirling.

Co-founder Amanda Prance cited a 'massive drop in local customer traffic' as the reason for not renewing their lease.

These closures highlight a broader trend of local businesses struggling to stay afloat amidst escalating costs and changing consumer habits.

In similar news, Alba Bar and Deli, an award-winning Brisbane restaurant founded by former MasterChef contestant Jamie Fleming, closed due to economic pressures.

The restaurant is known for its 'Brooklyn meets Barcelona' atmosphere. Learn more about this closure here.

Key Takeaways

• Cult Adelaide bakery Abbots and Kinney is set to close due to rising operating costs.
• The closure announcement was made by Managing Director Richard Wilson on social media, citing lease expiries and price increases as factors.
• Customers have expressed disappointment on social media but can still visit six other locations.
• The bakery was acclaimed, having been voted best café in Adelaide in 2021, and continued trading through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Have you noticed your favourite local spots struggling with rising costs? What memories do you cherish from the businesses that have been a part of your community? Feel free to share your stories in the comments below.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Can see this happening more and more as prices keep rising. Everybody is feeling the pinch.
Back to the old days of doing your own baking at home I guess.

 

[Ronloby]

This is the start of a recession I believe. This closure is just the start so how long before a major food chain must lose? I am not pleased with what is occurring in Australia and Liberal and Labor governments don't seem to care about it as long as their hip pockets are full. Pay rises when everyone else is struggling.

 

[DLHM]

Can see this happening more and more as prices keep rising. Everybody is feeling the pinch.
Back to the old days of doing your own baking at home I guess.

You have a good point @mylittletibbies.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Another one bites the dust! And rightfully so!

$10 for a sourdough fruit loaf which would be more suited to laying in a cow paddock.

 

[DLHM]

Another one bites the dust! And rightfully so!

$10 for a sourdough fruit loaf which would be more suited to laying in a cow paddock.

View attachment 53518

I wouldn’t buy a loaf of any bread $10. But that one looks over-baked.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I wouldn’t buy a loaf of any bread $10. But that one looks over-baked.

The result of a constipated cow, no doubt....

 

[DLHM]

The result of a constipated cow, no doubt....

Today seems to be one cow of a day for you Veggie. Moo Have another drink of milk.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Today seems to be one cow of a day for you Veggie. Moo Have another drink of milk.

My intended reply might offend the more puritanical members of SDC.

You know....those brought up in the mid 1800s.

 

[Annna]

My intended reply might offend the more puritanical members of SDC.

You know....those brought up in the mid 1800s.

Not necessarily 1800s but many are mannered.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Not necessarily 1800s but many are mannered.

Which implies that I'm not mannered? Depends on how one acts towards me in public. Those who don't appreciate my manners in the community usually wish their encounter with me didn't happen. I let others go in front of me, open doors and other such acts of courtesy without even a thought. When such acts are not acknowledged, that's when the claws come out.

 

[Annna]

Which implies that I'm not mannered? Depends on how one acts towards me in public. Those who don't appreciate my manners in the community usually wish their encounter with me didn't happen. I let others go in front of me, open doors and other such acts of courtesy without even a thought. When such acts are not acknowledged, that's when the claws come out.

Ok