Announcing via a since-deleted Instagram post, the cafe has now permanently closed its doors.
A cult classic in the Geelong region, chances are if you’re vegan or you’ve got a few vegan/vego mates you’ve either heard of or been to FacePlant.
Opening its doors on Pakington Street in 2017, FacePlant has since become renowned for its entirely plant-based food and drink menu, serving up delicious vegan and vego eats that aim to show everyone (vegan or not) just how delicious plant-based food can be.
Keep up with the latest local food and booze news here.
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Originally located at 129 Pakington Street, Geelong West, in more recent years FacePlant moved to a brighter, bigger location at 95 Autumn St, Geelong West, offering a refreshed space to compliment its plant-based cuisine. Boasting exposed brick, high ceilings, greenery galore, fun textures, feature lighting and an abundance of natural light, the cafe quickly became the go-to spot for a wholesome Sunday brunch.
In a since-deleted Instagram post, the cafe this week announced it would not be reopening its doors, arguing economic impacts of the pandemic as being behind the closure.
“Exactly five years to the day we first opened our doors, we are completely devastated to announce that the FacePlant doors will not re-open,” the post said.
“The last two years have finally taken their toll on our business and we are unfortunately left with no other option.
“It’s certainly been such a crazy, weird and wonderful ride for us to say the least and we are ever so grateful for everyone’s friendship and support along the way. We wish each and every one of you nothing but love happiness and great health. We will miss you all.”
Since announcing the closure, the cafe have added ‘Permanently Closed’ to their Instagram bio and removed all previous posts.
Despite the post, angered former staff members have come forward with claims the business hadn’t paid superannuation since before the pandemic with staff members currently working through a claim with the ATO for missed payments.
An ex-employee, who asked to remain anonymous, said staff had ‘experienced significant wage theft going back years’, also detailing mental anguish suffered as a result. The former employee also revealed staff had not been made aware of the permanent closure prior to the post to social media.
By law, employers must pay superannuation for all casual, part-time and full-time employees who are 18 or over. Up until 1 July 2022, you needed to be paid $450 or more (before tax) in a calendar month to be paid super.
More to come.
