A popular Palestinian cafe in Sydney's inner west has been forced to close shop after problems with its landlord.
Restauranteur Sara Shaweesh announced that Khamsa Eatery would close its doors after service on Sunday following a huge rent increase proposed by the site owner.
The restaurant was open for eight years, including two years in St. Peters, after moving from Newtown in 2023.
Ms Shaweesh told Broadsheet she could not reach a deal with her landlord, who had reportedly proposed a 50 per cent rent increase.
She said the challenges became “too difficult to navigate.”
“As we close our doors, we feel it is important to shed light on the challenges small businesses like ours face,” Ms. Shaweesh wrote in a post on Instagram.
“Without meaningful government support, places like Khamsa are increasingly at risk.
“We hope this starts conversations about the need to protect the diversity and identity that small businesses bring to our community.”
Business owner Sara Shaweesh (right) claimed her landlord wanted to increase rent in Sydney's Inner West by 50 percent
The venue served traditional Palestinian food which the owners said was their form of 'resistance' to the problems in their homeland
As well as offering a menu full of flavoursome Middle Eastern dishes including smoked aubergine, chicken shawarma and makloubeh, Ms Shaweesh said her café played a vital role in the community.
Cooking classes, cultural workshops and fundraising were organised, including one for the Muslim deaf community.
Ms Shaweesh's last message contained a defiant message that although the restaurant would have to close, 'what we stand for will continue'.
'Khamsa has always been more than an eatery. “Every dish and drink we served was a piece of Palestine, a connection to our roots, history and spirit,” she wrote.
“At a time when our family in Gaza is enduring unimaginable suffering, being slaughtered and ethnically cleansed, sharing our food has been an act of resistance.”
“It reminds us that even under the weight of vile oppressors, our identity lives on through flavors, traditions, resilience and an eternal hope for a free Palestine,” she said.
Sara Shaweesh (left, with Newtown Greens MP Jenny Leong) has had to close her beloved eatery
The cafe received well wishes from the local community after eight years of offering food, workshops and charity work
Ms Shaweesh said she may, however, move her operations to Melbourne in her farewell post
For Ms. Shaweesh, however, the closure may not mean the end of her time as a small business owner.
It might not be in Sydney.
“As a family, I have moved to Naarm (Melbourne) and hopefully (will) start a new project once we have a long rest,” she said.
Customers were disappointed to hear of the closure and shared their well wishes for staff, labeling the events a 'major loss for Sydney'.
“Khamsa served delicious food while educating the community,” one customer wrote online.
“Thank you for the delicious food and warmth you brought to everyone's days,” another added.
“I'm sorry we're losing you and your special place,” said a third.
“You brought your dream to life and gave people a place to go.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Shaweesh for comment.
