AFTER more than a decade in the hospitality industry one of the town’s much loved cafes will close its doors.
diVine Cafe will hold its final day of trade on Sunday, with owners Catherine and Peter Robinson citing the need for more family time and rising costs as reasons for the closure.
The pair said they had been working six days a week since the cafe opened in 2007, with neither taking the same day off.
“The kids are a bit more grown up now and we have decided to spend some more time with them and have some time as a family as well,” Ms Robinson said.
“It is a bit disappointing but we are also quite excited for the next chapter.”
Ms Robinson said the potential loss of trade as a result of the Penola bypass was also a contributing factor.
“With the bypass coming we have agreed we cannot afford to lose any passing trade,” Ms Robinson said.
“We love the area and it is an amazing and very welcoming town.
“We are not leaving the area we have decided to stay in Penola and move onto different jobs.”
The Robinsons permanently moved to Penola in 2006, but made many trips to the region to set up their beloved cafe.
Ms Robinson praised the cafe’s customers for their long-running support.
We have people who have been coming here for years,” she said.
“We also have customers who would come from across the border just to see us.
“They have expressed their disappointment the next time they come around we will not be open.”
“We will miss the customers the most and the regular contact, but we are staying in the area so we will still get to see them.”
Ms Robinson said the pair will take time out for themselves after selling the cafe equipment.
