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