Rent hike is death knell for restaurant
55% rise means owners will shut eatery in October
A popular Perth city restaurant is set to shut after owners said they were hit with a massive 55 per cent rent increase.
Deans, which has been operating in Kinnoull Street since the early 2000s, expressed its “profound regret” over the decision.
However, there are hopes the business can find an alternative city premises.
In a statement, the restaurant pointed out it had been struggling with the rising cost of overheads, including utility bills.
A Facebook post, signed Willie, Margo, Lee and Jamie, states: “With the most profound regret we are informing you all of our pending closure in October 2024.
“This decision has not been made easily, unfortunately in this current climate we can no longer sustain the cost of running our beloved Deans Restaurant.
“The rising costs of utilities, commodities and wages had a major contribution to this decision but latterly while negotiating our new tenancy, our landlord’s terms which include a 55 per cent increase in the rent are unsustainable.
“We wish to thank all our team hugely for their support and kindness.
“We are all very sad that our much-loved restaurant will close and this has made the decision much harder as our staff are more like family.
“Deans Restaurant has been an extension to the Deans family home for the last 20 years and at one point all four family members worked within the restaurant alongside our dedicated team.
“We are very proud of what we have achieved and the constant high standards we have strove to attain.
“Jamie is very passionate about his craft and we are actively looking to relocate to a new premise in November. We will keep everyone up to date with our plans.
“Thank you to our amazing guests, many of who are now friends.
“Over the years you have been with us though good and bad times.
“We would never have come this far without you all. We are very grateful for your custom and support.
“We hope in the final months to see as many familiar faces as possible. We will be open for business as usual.”
Customers rushed to show support for the restaurant on social media.
Marian Merron said: “We have had many celebrations in Deans’ over the years and never been disappointed.
“The last one was in March for my 70th birthday with all my family, great staff and fabulous food. How can a landlord justify putting your rent up 55 per cent and you have been tenants for 20 years.
“Hope it stays empty for a long time and you find new premises in town.”
Sarah Fraser said: “So sorry to read this. You’re going to be a massive loss to Perth. A 55 per cent increase in rent is horrific. I hope your landlord reads all the comments of support you have and has a change of heart or, if not, at the very least a pang of conscience.”
We are very proud of what we have achieved Deans’ owners