One of Brisbane’s most popular bakeries closed its doors over the weekend. Bella & Tortie has been a favourite not just among the residents of Grange, where it was located, but across the wider Brisbane community.

Bella & Tortie started out as a micro-bakery, delivering sweet treats to customers around Brisbane, before being established as a bricks-and-mortar store in 2019. Named after owner and pastry chef Suzi Unwin’s two cats, Bella & Tortie specialised in French patisserie—in particular, canelé, a tricky French pastry made of a crunchy outer shell with a custard inside.

Despite being able to push through the difficult COVID years, rising costs and a lack of staff have put a great deal of pressure on Suzi.

Suzi took to social media early in November to send a heartfelt message to the loyal customers of Bella & Tortie announcing that it would be closing down on December 4.

“I’m not sure I can find the right words to say,” Suzi began.

“It’s been amazing to grow the business and see the joy the little shop has brought people… However, as a solo business owner, the ride here has been difficult and unsustainable,” she continued.

“As sales and popularity have grown and [are] no longer the big issue, staff shortages and increasing ingredient and packaging costs are a massive problem. There’s just been too many twists and pivots and changes to manage on top of a government that doesn’t seem to do anything to support small biz!”

She concluded, “So, I’m taking a break… Just wanted to let you all know and thank you—thank you for supporting and believing in what we tried to achieve with the little bakery in the Grange.”