Sydney’s favourite donut shop is closing down for good

Sydney‘s dining scene has suffered another bitter inflation blow with a beloved Marrickville sweet spot officially closing it’s doors at the end of July. 

Donut Papi’s owner emotionally declared a sentiment many small business owners across Australia know all too well when he announced the shocking upcoming closure. 

‘To be completely honest, It’s a tough game out there. It’s not for the faint hearted. I am very proud of Donut Papi for making it to nine years and for obvious reasons why we are closing,’ read owner Kenneth Rodrigueza’s announcement to fans. 

The reasons were so patent they didn’t even rate a mention. 

The cost of living crisis has seen many Australians cutting down on little luxuries such as barista made coffee or dining out as their discretionary income dwindles. 

As a result, many cafes, restaurants and small business are closing down – some of whom have been operating for decades – citing increasing operational costs coupled with less people spending money out. 

The beloved sweet shop was hugely popular with fans for its zanily decorated and ingeniously flavoured creations.

The chorus of despair on social media was universal with one user who gladly and regularly makes the more than 50 minute drive to Marrickville from Hornsby left asking why.

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Many loyal fans from Donut Papi’s earlier days in Redfern also took to social media to express their heartbreak.

‘I legit can never eat any other donut than Donut Papi for the rest of my life because you guys literally are the best. Im so devo,’ said one customer. 

This was high praise for a business that started at a humble market stall in Sydney nine years ago. 

Customers will miss the divine donuts that came in more classic flavours such as caramel apple fritter, Redfern jam, the sprinkled strawberry milkshake and the beguiling Bavarian cream.  

Thai milk tea, exotic pandan coconut glaze and the ube polvoron – which came iced in an extraterrestrial looking purple – were some of Donut Papi’s more unusual creations.

It wasn’t only the toppings that dazzled, with one customer saying the donut itself was the fluffiest and most divine donut he had ever tried, ‘it doesn’t even need the icing’.

Donut Papi devotees were also memorialising the iced matcha latte float which came crowned with a creamy scoop of Mapo Gelato’s Fior Di latte.

Die hard fans were refusing to accept that July was the end.

One woman said, ‘thanks for the donut memories. Best donuts me and my husband ever had. I’m still holding out hope that one day you’ll come back.’

This isn’t the only closure breaking Sydney diners’ hearts.

Celebrity chef Kylie Kwong shut down her Everleigh institution Lucky Kwong in June after being opened for 24 years. 

Iconic Sydney fine dining bastion Tetsuya’s will also cease operations at the end of July following an even longer 37 years of service. 

Those wanting a last hit of Marrickville’s most famous donuts can still visit Donut Papi until the end of July. 

Donut Papi is located at 139 Marrickville road, Marrickville, Sydney, Australia 2204.

It’s open Wednesday – Sunday from 10 am – 5pm or until sold out.

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