It’s no secret that we are in trying times for small businesses, and the loved Rito’s Cafe & Continental is sadly not immune to the cost of living pressures.
In a bid to stay alive and #saveritos, owner Ayesha O’Neill took to Facebook on the weekend to express all the behind-the-scenes challenges the business is facing and how they need support, now more than ever.
“What most people didn’t see is the work happening behind the scenes: negotiations, legal costs, and trying to hold onto something special without ever needing to ask for help,” she shared.
“If there’s ever been a time to rally around local, it’s this week. If you’ve had a coffee here, shared a sandwich, or even just smiled walking past — you’re part of Rito’s story too. Every visit matters. Every coffee helps.”
She has even started a GoFundMe for people looking to go one step further, admitting she can’t do it alone.
“I can’t do it alone anymore. I’ve been given seven days to come up with the outstanding amount (including landlord legal fees) or Rito’s will close its doors.”
The beloved Christie’s Beach cafe and deli has been slinging delicious Italian and continental eats for 32 years, offering a range of fine, rare, and hard-to-find global foods.
Ayesha took over the iconic business after fondly visiting it with her late father and remains passionate about continuing Rito’s legacy. When she learned that OG Owners Rito and Carol were selling the business, she jumped on the opportunity to honour her father’s memory by taking over.
“It would’ve been really cool for him to see me running Rito’s, just because he loved it so much,” Ayesha says.
“He was one of their regulars. He’d come in and get his long black and cake and his pork pie, and we’d do the same together.”
Despite the current challenges, she is determined to keep Rito’s afloat.
“We’re not giving up.. and if you’re willing to stand with us, we’re ready to keep fighting for this place.”
Locals quickly took to Facebook this week, sharing messages of support, gratitude and advice. It’s clear this place is more than just an eatery, it’s a community institution in need of an all-hands-on-deck effort to keep it moving.
“We are so sorry to hear this. We know how tough it can be, and we’re right there with you. Small businesses have to fight so hard right now, and we’re sending all our support your way,” a supporter commented.
“Have grown up with Ritos! Even when it was in colonnades and i was still living at home. Im close to 50 now and for all those years it was the place to get “the good stuff,” shared another.
There’s no time like the present to grab a cuppa, some groceries, seafood or speciality goods from this community gem. Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 3pm, head down to Rito’s and support Ayesha and the team during this difficult time.
“Every visit helps save something real.”
What: Rito’s Cafe & Continental
Where: 101 Beach Rd, Christie’s Beach, 5165 SA
When: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 3pm
For more information, click here.
To donate, click here.
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