A Melbourne cafe owner says her once thriving business is “on its knees” and others in the industry are experiencing the same problem.

Owner of HealThy Self cafe in Yarraville, Zerin Jai English, says the problem is simple: “No one is coming out after COVID”.

While restrictions have been lifted, Ms English says the pandemic changed the habits of Melburnians, and if they don’t shift back, many businesses will go under.

“Everyone is still staying at home as far as I can see. The village is like a ghost town,” she told Neil Mitchell.

“It’s just unsustainable. I can’t pay my wages on one person coming in for a smoothie and it’s just heartbreaking, soul destroying.

“I just think everyone has now crossed into a new way of life which is home-based.”

Ms English says it’s not just her suburb that’s impacted.

“All my suppliers I speak to who aren’t in Yarraville, they suffer the same way,” she said.

The cafe owner urged Melburnians to get out and support small businesses.

“If you want local business, irreplaceable small ownership businesses, to survive, you have to come and support us,” she said.

“We are not doing ok.”

Press PLAY below to hear the cafe owner’s plea to Melburnians

Image: Google Maps