By Sonia Isaacs
AFTER more than a decade serving locals and visitors, Maleny café Sarah’s Unplugged has closed its doors, citing challenges with the tenancy arrangements.
Owner Sarah Castaldi said the Maple Street café’s final day on Monday, February 16, marked the end of an era for her family, and the many customers who had supported the venue over the years.
Ms Castaldi said ongoing challenges in recent years associated with operating from the site, and uncertainty over the tenancy made continuing operations no longer viable.
“It was a really difficult decision,” she said.
Ms Castaldi explained the closure had affected both her family and several long-term staff members, with the café operating as a family-run business for much of its time.
Her son, Tom, served as head chef, while her daughter, Monique, managed day-to-day operations.
Ms Castaldi first took over the premises around a decade ago, when it operated as a bar and music club, and transformed it into a community-focused café with a deliberate “unplugged” ethos, encouraging conversation and connection.
“This café has always been community-based. I haven’t even got internet in here because I wanted people to come in, relax, sit and chat, and just enjoy each other’s company,” she said.
“There’s been so much laughter, good food, good coffee – it’s been all about our customers and staff enjoying their time here,” she said.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, hearty meals, and strong coffee, Sarah’s Unplugged became a regular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
Over time, it developed a loyal customer base and earned consistently positive reviews, reflecting its role as a social hub in the town.
In the lead-up to the closure last Monday February 16, regular patrons visited to share farewell coffees and meals, many displaying strong emotions and leaving personal messages of thanks.
Ms Castaldi described the experience as emotional. “Sarah’s Unplugged has never just been a building. It’s the people, the conversations, the staff, the regulars, the laughter,” she said.
“That heart of who we are remains steady.”
Looking ahead, Ms Castaldi said her family is exploring new locations and options.
“Relocating a café is complex – from leases and fit-outs to approvals, logistics, and timing and so we are approaching this next step thoughtfully and sustainably.
Our focus right now is protecting what we’ve built, supporting our team, and navigating this transition with care.”
A community fundraiser has been established to support Ms Castaldi and staff as they transition to new opportunities. To date over $5,000 has been raised.
Ms Castaldi said she hoped to remain involved in the local hospitality scene and thanked customers for their support throughout the years.
A spokesperson for Colliers, which manages the commercial tenancy for the premises, said the agency’s role was limited to administering the lease in accordance with agreed terms and “that it could not comment on matters between the landlord and tenant.”
The owners of the building declined to be drawn into the reasons for Ms Castaldi’s departure however did issue a statement confirming “the building owners are the same local family who have supported the community for some 40 years, through the Maple Street Co-Op, the Upfront Club and more recent tenant”.
sonia@gcnews.com.au