03/07/2026
To Our Valued Customers, Friends & Community
It is with immense sadness that I share the news that today, Riverside Café has closed its doors permanently.
This has been, without question, the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. I have fought tirelessly to keep this little café going, but unfortunately the combination of our lease not being renewed, overwhelming financial debt, and the ever-increasing costs of running a small business have left me with no other choice.
Owning Riverside Café has been so much more than running a business. It has been a dream, a passion, and a place where so many wonderful friendships and memories have been created. Watching families gather, friends catch up over coffee, children grow, and becoming part of this incredible community has been the greatest privilege of my life.
To every customer who chose to support us, whether it was every morning or just the occasional visit, thank you. Your loyalty, kindness and encouragement have carried us through so many challenging days, and I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am for each and every one of you.
To my incredible staff, thank you for standing beside me through the highs and the lows. Your hard work, dedication and genuine care for our customers helped make Riverside Café the welcoming place it became. I am endlessly proud of what we built together, and I will always appreciate everything you gave.
The reality is that the constant financial pressure, uncertainty and stress of trying to keep the business afloat have taken an enormous toll on my health and wellbeing. There comes a point where you have to recognise that you cannot continue sacrificing yourself. As heartbreaking as it is to let go of something I have poured my heart and soul into, it is now time for me to prioritise my health, my family and the future we deserve together.
While this chapter is ending far sooner than I ever imagined, I choose to remember the joy this café brought—not only to me, but to everyone who walked through our doors. The conversations, laughter, celebrations and friendships made here are memories I will treasure forever.
Thank you for believing in my dream, for supporting a local small business, and for making Riverside Café part of your lives. Your kindness has meant more than you will ever know, and I will carry your support with me for the rest of my life.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything.
With love and deepest gratitude,
Deanna Wallace
Riverside Café
