Black Star Pastry to close its doors in Melbourne due to ‘tough economic climate’

A popular bakery chain has announced it will close its doors to Melbourne pastry lovers, citing a “tough economic climate”. Black Star Pastry will serve its final cake at its St Kilda, Melbourne CBD and Chadstone venues on Sunday. The Black Star team announced the decision to close its doors in a social media post on Tuesday, just five years after the chain set up shop in Melbourne. “To our cake-loving Melburnians, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors in Melbourne, with final slices being served this Sunday 18 August,” they wrote. “For five years, our team have poured their hearts, passion, and creativity into the making of each cake, pastry and coffee served across our stores.” The company said a series of economic and staffing factors were behind the decision to leave Melbourne. “Rising costs, a tough economic climate and an industry-wide staffing shortage have forced us to consolidate our team and we will shift our focus to our original home of Sydney,” they said. “We want to thank our loyal regulars, once-in-a-while visitors and all those who have supported us in the wonderful city of Melbourne. We had a beautiful journey and many great friendships here and hope to see you one day, soon.” The announcement was met with widespread disappointment from customers who were already planning to purchase cakes from the popular chain for their next event. “The is devastating! I love Black Star! I was planning to do my cake with you guys next year,” one customer wrote “Your cakes and sweets are amazing, this is a sad loss for Melbourne,” another person said. Others remained hopeful the chain would one day return to Melbourne when things “look up” for the company. Stores in Newtown, Sydney CBD, Rosebery, and Chatswood and pop-ups at Burwood and Broadway will continue to operate as normal. The announcement comes after two employees of the Chadstone store in Melbourne were fired after wearing a keffiyah to work in protest of the war in Gaza The pair launched a workplace discrimination case against Black Star Pastry, but a confidential settlement with the involved parties has since been reached, according to The Age.