Black Star Pastry to close its Melbourne doors
Popular bakery Black Star Pastry, which has stores in Melbourne’s CBD, St Kilda and Chadstone, is closing all three of its sites on Sunday, August 18.
The pastry store cited increased costs, staffing shortages and a difficult economic climate for its closure.
Melbourne patrons were known to flock to the stores to sample its famous strawberry watermelon cake. They will now have to go to Sydney for a sample as the four permanent and two pop-up stores in the Harbour City remain open.
Black Star Pastry said on social media, "thank you Melbourne" it was a "difficult decision".
The company had been operating in Melbourne for five years after first opening in Sydney in 2008.
The social media post stated "our team have poured their hearts, passion, and creativity into the making of each cake, pastry and coffee served across our stores.
"We want to thank our loyal regulars, once-in-a-while visitors and all those who have supported us in the wonderful city of Melbourne.
"All Sydney stores: Newtown, Sydney CBD, Rosebery, and Chatswood, alongside pop-ups at Burwood and Broadway, will continue operating as normal.”
The owners have left the door open for a Melbourne return if circumstances once again become favourable.
Black Star Pastry is another in a long list of stores to have closed their doors in Melbourne recently as cost-of-living pressures bite.
Japanese establishment Izakaya Den was operating in the CBD for almost 15 years before it shut its doors, while the popular Gingerboy closed in April after almost two years in business.
Italian restaurant Rosetta in Crown Melbourne shut in May along with the Botswana Butchery.
Epocha, at the Carlton end of Lygon St, will close next month.
Jonathan Jackson, 14th August 2024
