Adelaide bids farewell to The Bavarian as the well-known restaurant chain formally closes its doors, permanently withdrawing from the state. The closure was confirmed through a notice posted on the establishment’s entrance, catching the attention of patrons and subsequently making waves online.
The posted sign expressed gratitude to The Bavarian’s loyal patrons, stating, “To our Bavarian family, we want to take this chance to say ‘dankeschön’ (thank you very much) for your continued support.” The note continued, “We’ve loved being able to give you all a taste of Bavaria itself.” Regrettably, the sign declared December 31st, 2023, as the last day of operation for The Bavarian Tea Tree Plaza in Adelaide, concluding with a poignant “auf wiedersehen” (goodbye).
Notably, Bavarian’s Tea Tree Plaza location was the only establishment the company had in South Australia. Its closure has left the state without the popular German-themed restaurant that had become a local favorite.
In response to the news, an online post by a diner who witnessed the closure expressed surprise at the longevity of the establishment, speculating on the potential impact of high prices, such as a $30 schnitzel without chips. Comments on the post echoed similar sentiments, with patrons lamenting what they perceived as exorbitant pricing.
Some patrons shared their dissatisfaction, citing unmet promises and an incongruity between the marketed concept and the delivered experience. Concerns about the pricing strategy, initially marketed as a German Sports Bar but charging prices akin to French fine dining, were raised by several commentators.
While sympathetic to the closure, some acknowledged the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, emphasizing the high-risk nature of the business. Commenters reiterated the concept’s appeal but cited the pricing as a significant drawback.
With approximately 30 outlets across Australia, The Bavarian’s presence is concentrated in and around Sydney and Brisbane. Prices varied depending on location, but a typical cost for a chicken schnitzel with mushroom sauce was around $28.
Speculation surrounding the closure included rising rental costs, particularly those imposed by Westfield, the owner of Tea Tree Plaza in Adelaide. Some attributed the closure to what they perceived as unyielding rental fees, suggesting a reluctance to accommodate businesses during the COVID-19 shutdowns.
In response to inquiries, a Westfield Tea Tree Plaza spokesperson declined to comment on commercial arrangements with business partners, leaving the reasons behind The Bavarian’s closure open to speculation.
