Hashtag Burgers & Waffles Capalaba was forced to close without warning on Saturday morning after damage from an incident involving its neighbouring tobacconist made it unsafe to trade. The restaurant stayed shut for several hours while staff assessed the damage and waited for approval to reopen.
Temporary Shutdown Disrupts Morning Trade
The closure happened in the early hours of 25 October 2025, when a suspected targeted attack on the adjoining PT Tobacco and Gifts caused smashed glass and fire damage to the restaurant’s exterior. Staff arrived later that morning to find broken windows and charred walls, prompting an immediate shutdown and sanitation process before trading could resume.
The restaurant confirmed it was unable to open at its usual time and informed customers through social media that service was paused until further notice. Staff said they had already experienced similar disruptions before due to repeated attacks on the neighbouring business and were disappointed but prepared to respond quickly. They prioritised safety checks and began cleaning once police cleared the area.
Fast Cleanup And Evening Reopening
Hashtag Burgers & Waffles Capalaba reopened at 5pm the same day after the team completed a full cleanup. They sanitised all surfaces and equipment before welcoming customers again, hoping to recover from the lost lunch rush.
The business thanked locals for their support and said the decision to reopen so quickly was driven by its commitment to stay reliable for the community.
Community Response And Frustration
Locals expressed concern for the restaurant and frustration over the repeated impact on businesses that were not involved in the conflict.
Some called for stronger action to protect neighbouring operators who continue to be affected by incidents they did not cause. Others said they planned to visit the restaurant that evening specifically to support its recovery.
Police awareness of ongoing issue
Police confirmed the incident as a deliberate attack on the tobacconist next door and said investigations were ongoing. There have been multiple incidents targeting the same business in recent months, and nearby operators like Hashtag Burgers & Waffles have been repeatedly affected.
The restaurant has continued to trade but acknowledged the stress of ongoing disruptions.
Published 27-October-2025
Featured Photo Credit: Hashtag Burgers & Waffles Capalaba/Facebook
