Sydney’s dining scene has suffered another blow of inflation with a beloved Marrickville hotspot officially closing its doors at the end of July.
The owner of Donut Papi emotionally expressed a sentiment that many small business owners in Australia know all too well when he announced the shocking upcoming lockdown.
‘To be completely honest, it’s a tough game. It’s not for the faint of heart. I’m very proud of Donut Papi for making it to nine years and for obvious reasons we’re closing,’ reads owner Kenneth Rodrigueza’s announcement to fans.
The reasons were so obvious that they did not even merit mention.
The cost of living crisis has seen many Australians cut back on small luxuries, such as barista-made coffee or eating out, as their discretionary income declines.
As a result, many cafes, restaurants and small businesses are closing (some of which have been operating for decades) citing rising operating costs coupled with fewer people spending money.
The beloved candy store was popular with fans for its quirky and inventive flavor creations.
The chorus of despair on social media was universal and one user who gladly and regularly makes the 50-plus minute journey to Marrickville from Hornsby left wondering why.
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The beloved candy store was popular with fans for its extravagantly decorated and inventively flavored creations.
Many loyal fans of Donut Papi’s early days in Redfern also took to social media to express their heartbreak.
‘I will truly never be able to eat any other donut than Donut Papi for the rest of my life because you guys are literally the best. I’m so devoted,’ said one customer.
This was high praise for a business that started in a humble market stall in Sydney nine years ago.
Customers will miss the divine doughnuts that come in more classic flavors such as caramel apple fritter, Redfern jam, sprinkled strawberry milkshake and seductive Bavarian cream.
Thai milk tea, exotic pandan coconut frosting and ube polvoron (which came frosted in an alien-looking purple color) were some of Donut Papi’s more unusual creations.
The strawberry milkshake sprinkle donut was a customer favorite.
It wasn’t just the toppings that dazzled, one customer said the doughnut itself was the fluffiest, most divine doughnut she’d ever tasted, “it doesn’t even need the glaze.”
Donut Papi devotees also raved about the frozen matcha latte that came topped with a creamy scoop of Mapo Gelato’s Fior Di latte.
Die-hard fans refused to accept that July was the end.
One woman said, “Thanks for the donut memories.” The best donuts my husband and I have ever had. I still hope that one day you will return.
This isn’t the only closure breaking the hearts of Sydney diners.
Celebrity chef Kylie Kwong closed her Everleigh institution Lucky Kwong in June after being open for 24 years.
Tetsuya’s, Sydney’s iconic bastion of fine dining, will also cease operations at the end of July, after an even longer 37 years of service.
Those who want one last drink of Marrickville’s most famous donuts can still visit Donut Papi until the end of July.
Donut Papi is located at 139 Marrickville road, Marrickville, Sydney, Australia 2204.
It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm or until tickets sell out.
