Adelaide favourite The Sugar Man has left its fans stunned after announcing it will be closing its doors.

However, it’s not all bad news.

The popular patisserie and chocolate shop made the announcement on Instagram, but also reassured their customers it was a temporary move while the business prepares to move in a new direction.

“This weekend (25th-27th July) will be the last weekend we are selling croissants and pastry items,” the post said.

“We’re taking a break – we’ll be back, but not as you know us. We are aware that this decision may come as a surprise to some, but please know it was not made lightly nor quickly. There were many factors that led to this outcome, but the loudest motivator is the prevailing need to take Sugar Man in a new direction. This means leaving patisserie behind. Our team is taking some time to gain new skills, conduct research and development, and undertake site renovations for a new venture.

“We will be reopening in September… What we will be doing is (for now) a surprise. But I can promise it will be something that reignites my culinary passion, and aligns with the original ethos we started with at the Sugar Man: handmade with love, using premium local produce. Thank you to everyone who has walked through our doors seeking sweet refuge in our patisserie, chocolate and ice cream products. We look forward to welcoming you through the doors again soon.”

The Sugar Man opened its door in 2022 when owner Alex Crawford made the decision to transition from a wholesale macaron business.

The self taught pastry chef and chocolatier travelled to Italy, where he discovered a love for the pastry and chocolate that would  go on to form the basis of The Sugar Man. After devouring countless tutorial videos and bugging his friend and mentor Adriano Zumbo with questions, Alex said he found his sweet spot.

“He [Adriano Zumbo] taught me a lot about the chocolate-making process and I just fell in love with it,” Alex said.

Announcements about the future of The Sugar Man will be shared on their social media and website in the months to come.