If they’re having a tough time at home or at work,Mr Joel will urge them “to focus on what they have,rather than what they don’t have” and tells them things may not be as bad as they seem.
Now he is taking his own advice,with the heritage-listed,tile-walled Campbell Arcade,built in 1955,about to close for two years for the construction of a pedestrian walkway from Flinders Street Station to the new Town Hall station.
The landlord,Rail Projects Victoria,has directed the handful of Campbell Arcade tenants to vacate their shops by the end of April. Cup of Truth’s last day open is April 22.
Rail Projects Victoria has said key heritage features of the arcade will be retained,including most of the shopfronts.
Mr Joel,who operates the three-metre by one-metre cafe with co-owner Jon Freeman,says he feels “melancholy” but he is determined to reopen the cafe elsewhere in the inner city,although they haven’t found new digs yet.
Railway Projects Victoria has indicated that previous long-term tenants may be able to return to the arcade after construction is finished,but it isn’t guaranteeing future tenure.
Mr Joel says it “would be nice” to return to Campbell Arcade,but he fears the rent will rise and the space may be changed.