Sweet Adeline Café transformed an empty parking lot into a coffee hub across three years. Now they have no place to call home.
Coffee lovers across Geelong have been caught off guard overnight as resident coffee van, Sweet Adeline Cafe announced it will no longer have a site at the once-empty Latrobe Boulevard parking lot in Newtown which they transformed into an outdoor alfresco area.
Revealing via social media yesterday evening, Thursday 29 August, that the oasis site by Barwon River had been purchased by a developer who have instructed them to move out, Sweet Adeline’s stay is coming to an end.
Over the course of the last few weeks, Sweet Adeline owners, Bart & JT, have been desperately seeking a new spot to pull their mobile renovated 1950’s caravan into and call home, to no avail.
Keep up with the latest local food and booze news here.
View this post on Instagram
The post to Sweet Adeline’s Instagram read, “It’s hard to believe that it’s almost just 3 years since we first started our journey in the old, empty parking lot. We had fun turning it into the alfresco café that so many of you have come to love. From a simple idea, we grew into a space where the community could gather, relax, and enjoy good company, good food and the best coffee in Geelong…possibly the world!
“But sadly, the time has come to say goodbye. A big developer has purchased the land, and we’ve been told we have to move on.
“We’re heartbroken to be leaving the place that we’ve worked so hard to build and that you all have helped to make special. We’re so grateful for your support over the years, and we’ll cherish the memories we’ve created together in this little oasis by the Barwon River.
“Over the past few weeks, we have been working tirelessly to find a new space for our community, some venues turned us down outright while others simply refuse to give us a hearing. It’s disheartening, to say the least, to see how difficult it has been to secure a new home for Sweet Adeline and Teddy. While this chapter may be closing sooner than we hoped, please know that our commitment to this community remains strong. We will continue to explore any last options that might come our way, and happily accept any ideas and tips from you guys to find out where else we can go!
This isn’t the end—just a new beginning. Than you for being part of our story.”
The once permanent home of Sweet Adeline was a safe, affable and happy environment to all who venture through their gates. Guests were met with relaxing jazz tunes and sometimes live musical entertainment, while children would marvel at the play area which includes a sandpit, basketball court and juggling equipment. There’s even pavement chalk for the kids to express themselves creatively while parents enjoy their favourite beverages and snacks. The best park for those taking a leisurely stroll around the river was that Sweet Adeline Café was completely dog-friendly with the best puppacinos and treats in town.
The final day of trading for the Sweet Adeline Newtown carpark site will be Monday 23 September.
If anyone has a potential spot for Sweet Adeline to pull up into, reach out to the team here.
