After years of dishing out fried chicken with serious flavour and attitude, Motherlode has announced it’s closed its doors on Hindley Street. But don’t mourn just yet. This isn’t the end of the Motherlode story, just the close of one successful and crunchy chapter.
Owner and creative force Chet has been sitting on the news for a while, but finally made it official with a heartfelt message on social media. The restaurant’s last service was actually held on 21 June, and according to Chet, this decision to close isn’t the result of financial strain or waning interest. In fact, quite the opposite.
“We’ve been doing record numbers this past 12 months. The food is dialled. The team is tight. The love from our customers has never felt stronger,” Chet wrote in the online statement.
It’s a rare thing in hospitality shutting a venue and stepping away while still peaking.
But for Chet, the decision is about sustainability. Juggling the restaurant, a full creative workload, and the elusive thing known as “a life” proved unsustainable, and the energy to evolve Motherlode into its next form simply wasn’t there.
“If I can’t give it 100%, then I’d rather let it pause on a high,” he shared.
“Motherlode deserves the best – and that requires me at full-tilt again.”
Since launching in 2014 with a late-night shipping container pop-up, Motherlode evolved into one of Adelaide’s most recognisable brands. From the menu to the interiors, and the merch to the banter, it’s all been a labour of love.
While the Hindley Street site has popped the closed sign on the door, Motherlode itself isn’t disappearing.
“We’re just stepping away from this lil’ frontage on Hindley Street,” Chet explained.
“To recharge, bring back the ideas, find the joy again and get the trickle of creative energy back to overflow mode.”
But don’t fear, fried chicken fans. The brand, the recipes and that electric energy aren’t going anywhere. You’ll still catch them popping up at festivals, kitchen takeovers, and events across Australia, and maybe even beyond.
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