Images: Two-Bit Villains
It’s fair to say that Two-Bit Villains has become something of an Adelaide institution since opening its doors 14 years ago. Hidden upstairs in Adelaide Arcade, the Rockabilly-themed vegetarian diner carved out a cult following for its burgers, sodas, and prime people-watching vantage over Rundle Mall long before “plant-based” became a city-wide phenomenon.
Now, the loved eatery is preparing for a new chapter. This Sunday, November 16, founder and chef Liam, alongside co-owners Leigh and Jac, will hand over the keys to Maheep and Tanishka, who will continue the TBV story for years to come.
“It’s an end of an era for myself, Leigh, and Jac. We would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of our customers, from one timers to regulars who didn’t have to tell us what they were ordering,” Liam shared in the Instagram announcement.
“The overwhelming support we have had over the years, especially during covid, can’t be understated. You’ve helped turn the dream of a young chef into a reality,” he continued.
The decision to hand over the business is a refreshingly positive one. Liam just welcomed a new baby into the family. That, paired with a long 14-year run, seemed like the time for some fresh eyes.
“I had a little one about a month and a half ago,” he says. “Starting a family and wanting to step back a bit was definitely part of it, but it also just felt like time.”
“The business had been the same for so long, and we’d reached the limit of what we could do there. It was time for someone new, someone excited to take it into its next chapter,” he adds.
That someone turned out to be Maheep and Tanishka, both vegetarian and already familiar faces in Adelaide’s food community.
“They own another little restaurant down south,” Liam explains. “They’re really passionate about keeping the spirit of the place alive. They understand that TBV is an institution, and they’re very keen on building on from what the restaurant already is.”
When Two-Bit Villains first opened, there was nothing quite like it in Adelaide. Vegetarian dining at the time leaned either toward fine-dining or health-focused cafes, not Rockabilly, loaded burgers, and homemade sodas.
“We wanted it to be exciting and fun and approachable,” Liam says. “The space kind of came together with what we had. We were involved in the old Rockabilly scene, so that’s where some of that style came from. We bought up all these old laminate tables, and somehow, it just worked – all really organically.
TBV stands out for a number of reasons. Firstly, for its approach to vegetarian dining, but also for the team’s inclusiveness and genuine care for customers.
“We’ve always been welcoming of everyone,” Liam says. “It doesn’t matter who you are or even if you’re vegetarian – honestly, most of our customers probably aren’t. We’ve never looked at ourselves as a vegetarian restaurant, just a restaurant that happens to not serve meat. We wanted it to be a safe, comfortable space for everyone.”
That openness built a fiercely loyal following over the years – and the proof is in the pudding. After announcing the handover on social media yesterday, messages of love and nostalgia flooded in.
“Sometimes you forget that your space means so much to people,” Liam reflects. “But then you read those comments, and it reminds you why you did it. It’s nice – bittersweet, but nice.”
Two-Bit Villains’ final day under its founding team will be this Sunday, November 16. If you’d like to personally bid farewell to the founding team, now is your chance. From next week, expect TBV with xx
“It’s time for fresh energy and new ideas, but I think the heart of Two-Bit will stay the same,” Liam adds.
“A huge thank you to all of our staff over the years who have helped make TBV work! Wouldn’t be here without you.”
Two-Bit Villains new ownership
When: From next Monday, November 17
Where: Shop 150, Lvl one, Adelaide Arcade, SA, 5000
For the website, click here.
@twobitvillains
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