The iconic Dome cafés in Mandurah and Halls Head will cease to operate at the end of this month, making room for new, independently-owned establishments.
The popular franchise on the Eastern Foreshore in Mandurah has been operating since Craig Brown opened the doors in April 1998.
Ten years later, the Halls Head premise with beach-front views opened to the community.
Mr Brown said the change from a franchise to independent cafés would be a positive for Mandurah.
"It's time for a change, to get out of the franchise mode and do something a little bit different," he said.
"We'll have the same team and same people."
We'll continue offering the great service Mel and her team have provided over many years.
- Craig Brown
He said the last day of operation would be June 30, before both stores will close for renovations for six-to-eight weeks.
Mr Brown said the new cafés would have the same name and are set to open late August.
"They will both have the same offering, but the hours of trade may be slightly different," he said.
Mr Brown said the focus would be on making good coffee, breakfast and lunch.
"We won't be straying too far from what's brought us success as the busiest store, in my understanding, ever in the Dome group," he said.
"We have had many regulars over the years and they just keep coming back. We'll continue offering the great service Mel Quatember (manager) and her team have provided over many years."
We're looking forward to a whole new era in Mandurah.
- Dome managing director Nigel Haines
Dome managing director Nigel Oakey said the group would explore other locations in Mandurah to potentially open another café.
"The owners of the property wanted flexibility, meaning we couldn't continue into the long-term," he sad.
"We're exploring a range of different locations.
"We have done our best in the last few years to build more iconic sites, with a greater focus on more amenity within the café.
"We're looking forward to a whole new era in Mandurah."
Dome operates in Pinjarra, Secret Harbour, Rockingham and Waikiki.
Peel Chamber of Commerce general manager Andrew McKerrell said it was an "exciting" move.
"Craig and the team will be returning, continuing the same high standard of service and hospitality we have come to love, under a new name and brand," he said.
"Stay tuned for more news on this exciting change."
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
