Shock closure of sprawling eastern suburbs cafe linked to collapse of historic Adelaide pub
A LARGE corner cafe on one of Adelaide’s most popular eating strips has been shut in a shock closure linked to the collapse of a historic eastern suburbs hotel.
A handwritten note on the front door of the cafe notifying patrons it is no longer open for business.
Becco on The Parade is located on The Parade at Norwood, on the corner of Osmond Tce.
The highly recognisable eating spot — and Sunday brunch destination — has been a cafe for many years but has undergone several changes of name and ownership over the past decade.
It was known as Mamma Carmela before becoming the Palazzo — and then Becco less than two years ago.
The closure is a second blow for Adelaide businessman, Ray Aoukar, who also owned the Maylands Hotel, which went into receivership on October 13.
Accountancy firm Heard Phillips has been appointed as the liquidator of Becco on The Parade
and the cafe transferred into the hands of receivers Ferrier Hodgson.
Mr Aoukar could not be contacted for comment.
The sign on the cafe reads: “Sorry for any inconvenience, but Cafe Becco will be closed until further notice”.
Ferrier Hodgson partner David Kidman confirmed the last week’s closure and said “negotiations were underway with various parties including the landlord”.
However he would not comment further.
Heard Phillips director Anthony Phillips also wouldn’t speculate on Cafe Becco’s closure, only saying: “With regard to the reasons for the liquidation, the investigations are ongoing”.
While Becco on The Parade has been shut indefinitely, the Maylands Hotel is still operating, despite also being placed in the hands of the same receivers.
Mr Kidman has previously told the East Torrens Messenger the Phillis St pub would continue to operate as usual but it was hoped a buyer for the hotel would be soon found — it was hoped the hotel would be sold by the end of the month.
A minor refurbishment is still planned at the historic pub.
In 2000, the Maylands Hotel, which has operated in Adelaide’s east since the early 1800s, had a major revamp.
This included the creation of a soundproof room to house 40 gaming machines built on the southern side of its beer garden.
The closure of Mr Aoukar’s pub and cafe comes about a month after his son, Anthony Aoukar, opened an Italian-inspired cafe, Cascada, at Waterfall Gully.
Source: Adelaide Now, Daniela Abbracciavento, 27th October 2015
Originally published as: Shock closure of sprawling eastern suburbs cafe linked to collapse of historic Adelaide pub
