My Mistress Cafe, a beloved café in Clayfield, has gone into liquidation, owing the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) nearly $600,000 following its abrupt closure earlier this year.
Shocking Closure and Tax Troubles
The café, formerly located on Sandgate Road, unexpectedly closed in February 2024, leaving patrons confused and concerned about the future of the cherished community spot.
The announcement came without prior warning, and a mysterious note left on the window hinted at “new possibilities,” sparking speculation among loyal customers.
In December 2024, an Australian Securities and Investment Commission notice revealed that the café had officially entered liquidation following a court order initiated by the Deputy Commissioner for Taxation.
Liquidator Declan Lane confirmed that My Mistress Cafe Pty Ltd owed the ATO $593,182.27 and stated that current investigations were ongoing. However, limited information about the company has been made available so far.
Community Impact
For nearly nine years, My Mistress Cafe was a well-loved fixture in Clayfield, known for its inviting green courtyard and high-quality fare, including popular dishes like the “eggs Marilyn.” Regular patrons were stunned by the sudden closure, with many expressing disappointment at losing a go-to spot for coffee and meals in the neighbourhood.
The café’s closure has also raised concerns about the challenges faced by small businesses in the area. Residents noted the lack of communication from the café’s owners during and after its closure, leaving them with unanswered questions about the decision.
Ownership and Ongoing Mystery
Susanne Redmond, a 64-year-old resident of Rochedale South, solely owned the business. Rhiannon Redmond, a co-founder, declined to provide detailed comments, citing personal challenges. She described recent years as difficult and refrained from addressing the financial difficulties publicly.
Despite repeated attempts, neither the owners nor the liquidators have elaborated on what led to the café’s financial troubles.
An ATO representative confirmed that confidentiality laws prevent the organisation from commenting on individual tax matters. However, the significant debt underscores the pressures small businesses face in navigating tax obligations, especially in the challenging economic environment of recent years.
Published 24-Dec-2024