<!–
<!–
<!–<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
A seething restaurant owner has left a sad message for his loyal customers, claiming he had been forced to close because of a ‘selfish’ landlord.
Marco Adoncello, owner and head chef at trendy Italian eaterie Contessa Balmain in Sydney’s inner west, left a note in the venue’s window on Monday morning.
‘Due to physical and mental health reasons, Marco is no longer able to keep the doors of Contessa Balmain open,’ the sign read.
‘Every attempt was made to keep the legacy alive, but unfortunately the selfish actions of the landlord squashed any hopes of that happening.’
Mr Adoncello, who took over the restaurant 10 years ago, apologised to his loyal clientele for the ‘very difficult decision’.
Marco Adoncello, owner and head chef at trendy Italian eaterie Contessa Balmain in Sydney ‘s inner west (pictured), left a note in the venue’s window
Gutted locals in the well-heeled part of town expressed their sadness on social media at the restaurant’s demise.
‘Contessa served the best omelettes in the land, we have been massive regulars of Marco & his wonderful café,’ wrote one sad customer.
‘Sending love and thanks to Marco and the entire Contessa family for being such a huge part of the community.’
Read Related Also: Lara Parker, Dark Shadows Actor, Dead At 84
Another said: ‘Gut wrenching. Marco welcomed us to Balmain when we moved there by offering us orange cake. Went there religiously.’
Others expressed disillusionment with tough market conditions restaurants and cafes face.
‘If Contessa can’t survive, who can?’, asked one, according to news.com.au.
Another said: ‘If they can’t make it work then good luck trying to find anybody else to take over the lease. Landlord has done a real disservice.’
However, it appears the restaurant owners now regret putting the sign in the window after being contacted by Daily Mail Australia.
Rose Adoncello, Marco’s wife, said they still hoping that things can work out with further negotiations.
However, it appears the restaurant owners regret putting the sign in the window after being contacted by Daily Mail Australia. Rose Adoncello, Marco’s wife, said they were currently in talks with the landlord and the sign had been replaced (the couple are pictured together)
The much-loved restaurant’s potential closure comes at a time when hundreds of family-run venues, cafes and shops are going to the wall across Australia as the cost of living crisis bites.
Australian companies are going bust in increasing numbers under the combined weight of soaring staff wages, the rising cost of supplies, and interest rates hikes reducing customers’ spending.
For example, spending by Australians at restaurants and takeaway shops in the first week of August dropped by 16 per cent over the past year, according to ANZ data.
The figures also showed spending on dining and takeaway had fallen below pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
