Eatery shuts doors
Beloved burger restaurant loses battle with downturn
ONE of Townsville’s most beloved restaurants has announced it will close its doors for good.
Owners of TUBE – The Ultimate Burger Experience posted a message on their Facebook page on Thursday afternoon saying they were unable to find a buyer for the business and would cease trading.
“It’s with deep sadness that today the journey of TUBE has come to an end,” the Facebook post read.
“The downturn in the Townsville economy has taken its toll.”
TUBE owners Paul Sichter and Kalvin Moore used the Facebook post to thank their staff, customers, suppliers and family and friends for their support.
“Paul and I have both worked from day one building the brand from the ground up and unfortunately Townsville’s economy beat us in the end,” he said.
“Townsville’s business economy is tough at the moment and I can’t stress enough to support local business.
“We always tried our best to support locally, through the sponsorship of many sporting clubs and charitable events,” the post read.
“It is a reminder that we need to back our local business owners.’’
The business first opened seven years ago and has operated across two locations. TUBE’s Gregory St store closed in March 2018, and the business celebrated one year of trade at its Mount Louisa store in April 2018. TUBE’s Mount Louisa store was one of the first to go live on Uber Eats in Townsville in May.
The business received an outpouring of support on social media, with hundreds of burger lovers voicing their shock and disappointment.
“I hate to hear this. I like to shop with small business,” Jo Trueman commented.
“Love your stuff. Sad that another door has to close. #Supportlocals,” Joelene Accatino said.