Super Natural Eatery is a small business located on the Monash Clayton campus. We specialise in local-sourced coffee and cafe drinks, healthy and clean meals and service with a smile. Despite surviving multiple lockdowns and managing to exceed pre-COVID numbers, we are being forced to close our business by our landlord, Monash University. 

In September 2020, we began talks with Monash regarding renewing our lease for another standard 5 year term. We were disappointed when they only offered a 1 year lease extension. In accordance to section 21 of the Retail Leases Act 2003, we are entitled to a lease term of at least 5 years. At the time, we were not aware of this.

Why is a 1 year lease extension bad for business? According to the Victorian Small Business Commission, the benefits to a 5 year lease compared to a 1 year lease include security of tenure, business stability, opportunity to build goodwill, sufficient time to recoup the cost of business investments, and greater value - a business with a long lease generally has greater market value than one with a short lease. 

We did not wish to agree to a 1 year lease extension, but we were given an ultimatum of either one more year, after which Monash claimed they would consider a standard 5 year lease renewal at the year's end, or closing the business. 

We didn't feel it was right by our many valued customers who have supported our business from the very start and the toughest times to close so suddenly, so we chose the former option to continue serving the community as best as we can. We were told by the University that we had to apply through the Victorian Small Business Commission to waive our right to a minimum 5 year lease. With our valued customers at the front of our minds, we agreed and decided to use this year to work as hard as we can to continue providing a smile on your faces. 

Now, in February 2022, Monash has notified us that they will not be offering a standard lease renewal. We are being asked to close and vacate at the end of our extended lease. Despite our hard efforts, we are extremely heartbroken that we are being forced to leave. We have an amazing and supportive customer base, our sales figures have been stable even during the past lockdowns, and have even exceeded pre-COVID numbers. To our staff and families, this cafe is our livelihoods. Why are we being forced to leave? 

We are reaching out to our beloved customers and the wider community for your support and your voice. Please sign this petition if you think that Super Natural Eatery deserves to stay.