Zephyr Cafe criticised for turning away customers
East Fremantle’s Zephyr Cafe has sparked controversy after placing a “no new orders” sign during busy periods, leaving some patrons turned away despite available tables.
Speaking to PerthNow, owner James Ai said the sign is a temporary measure, implemented only when staff are stretched to their limits.
“The ‘no new orders’ sign is used only when we reach a point where the kitchen and floor staff are operating at full capacity.
“It’s never our intention to turn people away ... our goal is to serve as many customers as possible without compromising the experience or wellbeing of our team. We appreciate the feedback from our concerned customers and take this very seriously.”
Ai acknowledged that finding and keeping hospitality staff has become increasingly difficult, noting lifestyle shifts among young workers.
“Staffing issues within the hospitality industry have become increasingly difficult,” he said. “Many are prioritising study-life balance, family time or seeking more flexible employment options. We’ve noticed a significant shift in the availability of young people. We’re doing our best to adapt, but it’s a challenge that many local businesses are facing. We’re locals too and we genuinely care about delivering a great experience for everyone who visits Zephyr.”
One local customer was disappointed at being turned away during what she described as a quiet Saturday morning.
“After a long walk along the river with my elderly mother, we were looking forward to a nice coffee and a scone from Zephyr,” she told Perth Now.
“Surely they could have handed out a couple of scones and we would’ve waited for the coffees.”
In response, Ai said, “We’re grateful for the community’s ongoing support and hope they’ll continue to show patience and understanding as we work through these growing pains.”
Jonathan Jackson, 26th May 2025
