No More Sweet Treats: Cowch Closes After Trying Times

Following the closure of its Chermside store earlier this year and amidst hopes from loyal patron of an eventual reopening, popular dessert chain Cowch has shut down the business and closed its other locations across Queensland, a little over three months after the business entered voluntary administration.


Read: Oh, No! Cowch Has Entered Into Voluntary Administration


Cowch, known for its indulgent dessert cocktails and sweet treats, first opened in South Bank in 2014. Founded by husband and wife duo Arif and Havva Memis, the business rapidly expanded to locations in Chermside, Mt Gravatt, and other parts of Queensland after launching franchising in 2019.

The closure represents a major loss for Brisbane’s dessert scene. Cowch was beloved by many for its inventive menu and lively, vibrant locations across the city.

The company hit hard times earlier this year, prompting it to enter voluntary administration in March, as it sought an investor to keep the business afloat.

The Memis family (Photo credit: Cowch/Facebook)

In a recent LinkedIn post, founder Arif Memis shared that despite exploring every option over the last four months, Cowch was still unable to find the necessary financial support to continue operating.

Photo credit: Cowch Chermside/Google Maps

“We explored every avenue, leaving no stone unturned, in the hopes of finding a lifeline that would allow Cowch to continue serving our delightful dessert cocktails and mouthwatering desserts,” Mr Memis wrote.

“As founders, owners, and husband and wife team, we have poured our hearts and souls into building Cowch from the ground up, and it pains us deeply to reach this difficult decision.”

Photo credit: Jo W (TheStick)/Google Maps

The owners shared a special thanks to their incredible team members, who have become like family and worked tirelessly to create a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with laughter in all of their stores. 

Photo credit: Cowch/Facebook

The couple also thanked their loyal customers, who they consider their extended family. The support of their staff and devoted customers was what made building their business so rewarding for the Memis family. 


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As a result, the company has permanently closed all of its Queensland stores, just nine years after the first location opened its doors in South Bank. Its Chermside operations closed in April 2023.

Published 17-July-2023

Oh, No! Cowch Has Entered Into Voluntary Administration

Nine years after it was launched, popular dessert cocktail bar business Cowch, with venues in Chermside, South Bank, Mt Gravatt and Broadbeach, announced that it has entered into voluntary administration.



Cowch Enters Into Voluntary Administration
Photo credit:  Facebook / Cowch

“Dear valued Cowchies, we write to you today with a heavy heart to inform you of the difficult decision we have made to put the Cowch Group of entities into Voluntary Administration,” their social media post announcing the sad news reads. 

“As the founders of Cowch, we have poured our hearts and souls into creating a fun, safe and inclusive space for families to make cherished memories since we first opened our doors in South Bank in 2014”

Cowch Enters Into Voluntary Administration
Photo credit:  Facebook / Cowch

“Seeing Cowch grow into a beloved brand with multiple venues and a manufacturing business has been an incredible journey, and we could not have done it without the support of our wonderful community.

“However, like many other small businesses, we have been faced with challenges beyond our control, including COVID-19 pandemic, floods, and ongoing economic difficulties.”

Cowch Enters Into Voluntary Administration
Photo credit:  Facebook / Cowch

In the announcement made 14 March 2023, SV Partners were appointed Administrators with Terry van der Velde and Terry Rose leading the appointment.

SV Partners said that Cowch is a well-known and loved brand and working with management, staff, creditors, and other stakeholders, they are committed to exploring all options to ensure the business’s future success.

The Administrators have already commenced an immediate assessment of the business operations and financial position and will be liaising with all stakeholders in the coming days and weeks to explore all available options.  



In the 2021-2022 financial year, the company produced more than 34,000 litres of gelato, 63,000 crepes, 48,000 waffles and 73,000 pancakes. 


Published 19-March-2023