The Suter Cafe has gone into liquidation, another blow for Nelson's café scene.
As landlord of the café premises, The Suter Trust says its focus is on minimising disruption for visitors and finding a new operator for the space as soon as possible.
In a statement to media, the gallery acknowledges the closure will be disappointing for many visitors and thanks the café team for their contribution to the visitor experience over the years.
"We recognise the important role the café plays in the overall gallery experience and will begin considering future options for the space once the liquidation process allows," says Toni MacKinnon, director of The Suter.
"The Trust is eager to welcome a new operator as soon as practicable. We welcome enquiries from anyone interested.”
The gallery says it will continue operating as normal, with all exhibitions, programmes, events and retail remaining open.
The café had been advertised for sale for $250,000 in a listing that remains live on Trade Me.
The listing describes the business as a well-known Nelson café attached to The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū, with views across the Queens Gardens and a steady stream of gallery visitors, locals and tourists.
According to the listing, the current owner had operated the café for 20 years and was selling as part of retirement plans.
The advertisement highlighted opportunities to expand evening trading, make use of an existing liquor licence and develop functions and events alongside gallery activities.
The premises were promoted as having seating for more than 86 patrons and a fully equipped commercial kitchen ready for immediate operation.
The closure is the second prominent cafe to announce its closure within a week, after Red Art Gallery & Café.
