The newest wave of soaring living costs has had a devastating impact not just on the average Australians, but also on the humble and hardworking business owners in the country.

Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than two years ago, many businesses have closed their doors due to the difficulty of continuing operations amidst the global crisis.

Now, it would appear that the pattern of closing restaurants has not yet come to an end, as it has claimed the life of yet another victim.

A chicken shop has become the latest casualty of the cost of living crisis as rising prices and a lack of available workers make survival near impossible.

With rising costs and a lack of available workers, Chick N' Chips in South Australia has closed its doors. Credit: Facebook.​

One of the most popular restaurants in the Glenelg suburb of South Australia has caught the town off guard by posting a letter on the door announcing its permanent closure.

Chick N' Chips has won the hearts of many in the neighbourhood because of its commitment to serving delicious, healthy, and safe gluten-free options and free-range food.

On Tuesday, a regular patron took to the online community Reddit to express his disbelief and sadness over the news that he had seen written on a note and taped to the restaurant's front door.

'With great sadness, Chick N' Chips has closed permanently,' the note read.

'As most of you know, rising operational costs, coupled with lack of staffing, are issues that have hit many small businesses hard, and we are now one of them. The business wanted to give special shout-outs to those who have played a big part in the success of the shop,' they went on to say.

The business owner then expressed appreciation to their employees and to the locals whose patronage had helped them stay open for as long as they had.

'The whole team will forever be grateful for your dedication and hard work. Our customers will miss you, honestly one of the hardest working, passionate workers; we simply cannot thank you enough. To all of our staff, no matter how long or short you were with us, we appreciate every one of you.'

'We hope we filled your tummies with the most delicious gluten-free food. Your constant support hasn't gone unnoticed,' they continued.

'We thank you for your support, and from the bottom of our hearts, we are so sorry. With love, Chick N' Chips'

The only thing the owners can say to sum up their thoughts regarding the permanent closure is 'Goodbye'. Credit: Reddit.​

Several users on the forum expressed their sadness over the loss of so many adored small businesses this year, and many said they regret not being able to try them.

'Gutted I never made it there to try it out,' one user wrote in the comments, while a second added: 'So many restaurants for sale or closing lately. Shame…'

Meanwhile, a third person joined the conversation, saying that this was a sign that customers should patronise the small businesses in their communities. 'Shop looks good? Want to try it? Don't wait!' they said.

Take this as your sign as well, folks – If there is a locally owned business near you that you have been meaning to check out, don't let the clock run out! Who knows, maybe the very fact that you are there will serve as the green light for the business owner to keep doing what they do.

 

[Suzanne rose]

It's sad but reality is Covid has done a lot of damage.

I worked for one of Australia's largest bridal shop Abbey Bridal in the heart of Sydney. They had their own label which is stocked world wide Maggie Sottero.

After 45 years they had to shut Abbey Bridal

Rent was high

Brides were not buying wedding dresses and basically 18 months with no weddings. Well weddings with limited guests.

So many businesses were affected

 

[Ricci]

It's sad to see so many small, family businesses close due to no fault of theirs. Here's hoping these business owners haven't lost too much money.

 

[Ezzy]

The newest wave of soaring living costs has had a devastating impact not just on the average Australians, but also on the humble and hardworking business owners in the country.

Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than two years ago, many businesses have closed their doors due to the difficulty of continuing operations amidst the global crisis.

Now, it would appear that the pattern of closing restaurants has not yet come to an end, as it has claimed the life of yet another victim.

A chicken shop has become the latest casualty of the cost of living crisis as rising prices and a lack of available workers make survival near impossible.

With rising costs and a lack of available workers, Chick N' Chips in South Australia has closed its doors. Credit: Facebook.​

One of the most popular restaurants in the Glenelg suburb of South Australia has caught the town off guard by posting a letter on the door announcing its permanent closure.

Chick N' Chips has won the hearts of many in the neighbourhood because of its commitment to serving delicious, healthy, and safe gluten-free options and free-range food.

On Tuesday, a regular patron took to the online community Reddit to express his disbelief and sadness over the news that he had seen written on a note and taped to the restaurant's front door.

'With great sadness, Chick N' Chips has closed permanently,' the note read.

'As most of you know, rising operational costs, coupled with lack of staffing, are issues that have hit many small businesses hard, and we are now one of them. The business wanted to give special shout-outs to those who have played a big part in the success of the shop,' they went on to say.

The business owner then expressed appreciation to their employees and to the locals whose patronage had helped them stay open for as long as they had.

'The whole team will forever be grateful for your dedication and hard work. Our customers will miss you, honestly one of the hardest working, passionate workers; we simply cannot thank you enough. To all of our staff, no matter how long or short you were with us, we appreciate every one of you.'

'We hope we filled your tummies with the most delicious gluten-free food. Your constant support hasn't gone unnoticed,' they continued.

'We thank you for your support, and from the bottom of our hearts, we are so sorry. With love, Chick N' Chips'

The only thing the owners can say to sum up their thoughts regarding the permanent closure is 'Goodbye'. Credit: Reddit.​

Several users on the forum expressed their sadness over the loss of so many adored small businesses this year, and many said they regret not being able to try them.

'Gutted I never made it there to try it out,' one user wrote in the comments, while a second added: 'So many restaurants for sale or closing lately. Shame…'

Meanwhile, a third person joined the conversation, saying that this was a sign that customers should patronise the small businesses in their communities. 'Shop looks good? Want to try it? Don't wait!' they said.

Take this as your sign as well, folks – If there is a locally owned business near you that you have been meaning to check out, don't let the clock run out! Who knows, maybe the very fact that you are there will serve as the green light for the business owner to keep doing what they do.

Sad to see these stores going under like this. Shame a group of people couldn't invest in this & keep the business going.

Many moons ago the Solahart company in W.A. was going to fold. The employees put enough money together to buy the co. & made it the viable concern it is today. I am sure some of those people would by now have retired but can all look back on a major achievement where the company is concerned

 

[Charlylawr]

So strange to see news of business closures now. I understand that Covid hasn't disappeared, but its devastating impact seems less over time. I think this is a cognitive mistake of many people - when we get used to some phenomenon, we start to underestimate it. I feel very sorry for these people who devoted many years to the development of their lives, but due to circumstances beyond their control, they lost the opportunity to pass on their business to their successors. I hope that all of them were able to find a place and resources for further life and support their families.