SA cafes to stay closed over Easter

Some of Adelaide's popular eating spots will resemble ghost towns over Easter with cafes and restaurants opting to close because of high wage costs, Restaurant and Catering Australia says.

Chief executive John Hart says the state's cafe and restaurant industry is struggling and businesses will weigh up the extra cost of opening and paying penalty rates on the Easter public holidays.

"Wage bills represent around 40 per cent of takings on public holidays. Sadly the numbers just don't add up," Mr Hart said.