The Croque-O-Dile Cafe has closed its doors to patrons earlier than previously scheduled because of manager Kristine Lind’s ill health and a personal loss.
It closed on Tuesday.
Present lessee David Law’s lease will end on June 10 and the Dunedin City Council is looking for someone to replace him.
Ms Lind said her father-in-law was on life-support and her husband had flown to Perth, Australia, yesterday to say goodbye.
She could not run the cafe and also take care of her children as she was receiving treatment for a brain tumour.
It was sad to be closing earlier than expected, she said.
"It feels like we haven’t really been able to say goodbye to our regular customers.
"I think it’s the end of an era."
It had been an enjoyable four years running the cafe, Ms Lind said.
"My two little kids have grown up in that cafe.
"It’s been a very amazing four years.
"It’s sad to see the team go."
She had met some amazing people along the way who had become friends.
Ms Lind was going to take a break to focus on her health.
Council parks and recreation group manager Heath Ellis said it would begin advertising for a new lessee next month.
The council hoped to have a new tenant operating in the cafe late this year.
Until then the council would carry out some maintenance and renovation work inside the building.
The council was also seeking expressions of interest from food truck operators interested in parking inside the botanic garden while the cafe was closed.
The exact details of where and when the food trucks would operate were yet to be worked out.
"We acknowledge the cafe is a much-loved institution within our wonderful botanic garden and we’re looking forward to having an awesome cafe open again as soon as possible for everyone to enjoy," Mr Ellis said.
