Owners Alex Elliot-Howery and James Grant have revealed they will be closing the doors of the much-loved Annandale cafe at the end of this month.
In a statement on their website, the duo shared the news and assured their regulars that Cornersmith is not over, but is heading into a new chapter.
“The short story is we are closing the Annandale café doors at the end of the month and having a breather from the intensity of running our own hospo business,” reads the statement.
“Cornersmith isn’t over! We’re just ready for the next chapter in our business and life. We are incredibly proud of our more than 12 year long stint surviving the Sydney hospitality industry.”
The husband and wife duo started Cornersmith 12 years ago, known for their low-waste philosophy, delicious pickled goods, and community vibe within Sydney’s Inner West.
Elliot-Howery will continue to teach her cooking classes at Strathfield’s The FoodLab Kitchen according to the statement.
The statement also thanked staff and the community for its support.
“With the support of our incredible customers, the Cornersmith team, our extended family and dear friends, Cornersmith has stayed a small local family business which we built while we raised our kids,” it reads.
“For our Annandale community. We are very sad to say goodbye, thank you for your continued support over the last 8 years (especially during COVID years) Jimmy and the team will really miss you guys.”
The duo will keep the Cornersmith name in the meantime, and will continue to share their low-waste approach to cooking through collaborations and smaller projects.
“We are determined to use our knowledge and experience to help solve the growing issues in the food and hospitality industry,” reads the statement.
“James and I are always on the hunt for projects, collaborations, spaces and ideas. So, if you’re looking for a couple of hospo legends please get in touch.”
The statement also hinted at the potential of opening a new venue sometime in the future: “No doubt Jimmy will get bored and start looking for a new shop,” it reads.
Cornersmith will close at the end of this month, and there will be a new cafe taking over the space in the near future.