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9th November 2024
11:06am GMT
Beloved Cork café chain Perry Street has announced the immediate closure of all three of its locations.
A very popular breakfast and lunch option in the county, Perry Street had outlets in the city centre, Grange and Ringaskiddy.
In a social media update this week, however, its owners Brian Drinan and Paul Coffey announced the closures with "deep regret".
As for the reason, the pair cited "unprecedented challenges" in the hospitality industry in recent years that "continue to intensify".
Thanking their customers and staff, Brian and Paul said they were "heartbroken" to close and that the decision was "not made lightly".
You can read the statement in full below:
"It is with deep regret that we announce the immediate closure of all three Perry St Market Cafe locations. The hospitality industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, and these difficulties continue to intensify.
"Reflecting on the many good years, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited our restaurants. We have had the privilege of serving wonderful customers, watching families grow and sharing countless memorable moments with our community.
"A special thank you goes to our fantastic team, who were truly the face of Perry St. Your dedication and warmth have been invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you’ve done.
"This decision was not made lightly, and we are genuinely heartbroken to reach this point. With sincere gratitude, Brian and Paul."
The news comes after The Morning Bakery, the much adored Dublin 8 café and bakery, also announced its closure date this week.
Renowned for its freshly baked goods (both sweet and savory) and its specialty coffee, the eatery has operated from Pleasants Street - right across from JOE's offices - for over nine years.
In a new social media post, however, its owners Brian O’Keeffe and Kevin Powell confirmed that the bakery's building has been sold and that its last day will be on Sunday, December 15.
Thanking their customers, neighbours, staff and suppliers - the owners explained that they have a "fantastic relationship with the current owner of the building" - who they called "so encouraging and helpful" - and that they are "not in any kind of financial trouble".
"[We] are closing purely because of the auld sale of the buildin’," they said.
The pair added, however: "Though any politician if you’re listening, very little has been done to help our industry over the past few years and very few peeps in hospitality are making a killing, most are probably either going bust or just getting by.
"Much respect to anyone getting into the industry, we hope both economic conditions and government policy turn in your favour."
O'Keefe and Powell also said: "It’s all smiles in the cafe, the tears will probably come by to visit on Dec 15th, but until then it’s time to celebrate the past 9 years and do what we do best - which is bake our hearts out and sling those coffees.
"Much love to everyone, and see you over the next 6 weeks."
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