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City institution the Hardware Societe is closing down its original cafe
Gemima Cody
Photo: Eddie Jim
The original Hardware Societe, one of Melbourne CBD s most popular cafes, is closing indefinitely. The announcement, made via Instagram by owner Di Keser, shines a light on the struggle being faced by hospitality businesses.
Keser did not pull any punches, stating, today our sales were $391.00, that s about $10,000 less than an ordinary Monday. I am sure many other hospitality businesses are suffering the same fate and are just too embarrassed to put it out there.
The original cafe in Hardware Lane opened almost 12 years ago, drawing enormous queues and an evangelical following for its agenda of elevating brunch far beyond eggs on toast. Instead, it was lobster benedict and fried brioche with berries and meringue with chantilly cream.