Owner Mark McNeil said being unable to sell the business factored into the "regretful" closure.

"One of our motivations for starting The General Merchant was to provide Inverell with a venue that suited the needs of a large range of clientele," Mr McNeil said in a statement published to social media.

READ MORE:

"In our opinion, the amenity of Inverell will be the poorer with the lack of The General Merchant."

The business has been on the market for more than 12 months and with no sale, dwindling staff numbers and "challenging trading circumstances" the McNeil's are unable to keep their doors open.

"We have had the business and building on the market for over a year, hoping that someone younger and with more energy would seize the opportunity to take The General Merchant to the next level".

While the inability to sell played a part, he said they weren't exempt from the difficult trading circumstances felt in the business sector, which have "certainly had an impact" on the restaurant.

A difficulty in finding experienced kitchen staff was credited as another main issue - however it was noted this was an "industry wide problem" they didn't face alone.

"Joesie, our head chef, is leaving soon to have her first baby and we wish her well. She has been with us since we opened the doors," Mr McNeil explained.

"Unfortunately this leaves us in a difficult position in the kitchen with no head chef and only a couple of casual staff, who are more than capable, but due to their circumstances, are unable to commit to longer hours.

"We have contemplated reducing our hours further and only opening for coffee and cake etc, however this would not be viable. Plus old age and health issues have caught up!"

Despite the closure, the family are leaving with fond memories of the friendships forged with patrons, and thanked them for the "regular positive comments" they've received.

"Carole, Pip and I would like to thank all of our regular customers and apologise for letting you down."

They also thanked the staff who "have been on this journey with us".

Mr McNeil finished with a call out to the community: "if you know of anyone who could continue to bring The General Merchant experience to Inverell, let me know."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: