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Popular ice cream bar The Fudge Cottage, dubbed “the smelliest shop in the world”, has announced its closure.
The store, located in Palmview on the Sunshine Coast, will close on April 14 as upgrades to the Bruce Highway have led to a reduction in the number of customers visiting the store.
The dessert bar has been in business since 2005 and sells a range of sweet treats including chocolate fondant and artisan ice creams.
“The decline in foot traffic has made it increasingly difficult for us to thrive,” the company posted on Instagram.
Popular ice cream bar The Fudge Cottage (pictured), dubbed ‘the best-smelling shop in the world’, has announced its closure
“Despite our best efforts, we have made the difficult decision to say goodbye to our beloved storefront.”
Customers can still place orders for chocolate fondant and ice cream at Smootchies Handmade, an associated business, or online.
Orders will continue to ship nationwide until the store closes.
The company recently opened a store at Eumundi Markets, 40km north of Palmview, which will welcome customers every Wednesday and Friday.
Jade Rodighiero, who became store manager after taking over the business in 2021, said improvements to parts of the Bruce Highway have reduced visitor numbers.
The state and federal governments have pledged $813 million to widen the Bruce Highway from four to six lanes between Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway.
“We think a lot of foot traffic has gone down over the last year,” Ms. Rodighiero said. news.com.au
“The store next to us closed its doors.”
Fudge Cottage has been dubbed “the smelliest store in the world”
Ms Rodighiero said the business was down to just $100 a day, compared to previously earning $3,500 a week.
Hundreds of social media users commented on a TikTok video posted by the company on Monday, saying they were disappointed the store had been forced to close.
“I’m so sorry to hear that,” one user said.
“Getting fudge from you has always been a highlight of my travels, I begged my parents for it and they always allowed me,” wrote another.
Others said highway improvements meant they could no longer shop at the store.
“I think changing the highway exits didn’t help! We always miss the exit when we travel in this direction,” one user said.
Some said the store should be moved to another area where they would likely attract more customers.
The company took to Instagram to announce the tactile decision to close the store (pictured) due to reduced foot traffic.