The outlook for hospitality remains depressing as three restaurant closures were announced in Dublin this week alone.
Several cafes and restaurants confirmed they were closing their doors as the cost of living crisis continues to affect the sector. The majority of the closures were announced with immediate effect, leading many customers to air their disappointment online.
Here is a list of the most recent exits from Dublin's food scene.
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Mooch Frozen Yoghurt
Mooch announced its closure today after providing frozen yoghurt to Dubliners for a decade strong. The eatery previously closed its city centre location in 2018 but still had branches in Dundrum Town Centre and Greystones for froyo lovers.
The business confirmed the sad news on social media, although they did not specify the reasoning behind the closure. They thanked their loyal customers for their continued support and told them that Monday had been the shop’s last day of trading.
They wrote on Instagram: “It is with great sadness that we are announcing the closure of Mooch. We can’t thank all our loyal customers and staff enough for making the last 10 years so much fun.”
The post continued: “Today is an emotional day for us but we look forward to new beginnings and will hold all our Mooch memories with us forever.”
Joe’s Coffee
This beloved café located in Arnotts also announced they were closing on social media. Joes first opened in 2013 at the Abbey Street entrance of the department store and was known for its quality coffee, alongside its range of sandwiches, brownies and cookies.
The owners released a lengthy statement on social media outlining their exit. The post ended on a hopeful note, suggesting that the speciality coffee business could make an eventual return.
The owners wrote: “You have been a joy to serve and we have loved chatting to you about all things coffee. The Joe's journey has been an amazing one - and we hope it is not quite over yet!"
Table Wine
Table Wine, a gourmet restaurant in the inner city, confirmed they would cease trading on November 19 in an Instagram post. The owners hinted that “an incredibly difficult” trading environment lay behind their exit.
The owners thanked customers and said they were committed to making their last four weeks in business the best yet.
They wrote: “The decision was very very hard, but we need to give time and space for our amazing team to find other places to go and be amazing in! And to be responsible with how we wind down service in an environment that is ultimately incredibly difficult to trade in.”
They reminded customers that the Pleasant’s Place restaurant was still available to book via OpenTable.
The Vegan Sandwich Co
The Vegan Sandwich Co, which closed its Rathmines shop in August, has announced that it will completely close down and shut the doors of its Stephens Green and Smithfield shops.
In a statement on Twitter, the owner of Vegan Sandwich Co said: "The last few months have truly been some of the most difficult since we started trading and I am so sorry to say that both Vegan Sandwich Co stores are now closed. Between opening and closing Rathmines, our rent doubling in Stephen’s Green, energy prices going through the roof and weekly increases in our ingredients costs, it’s just not possible for us to keep going any longer.
"I have been trying so hard to find the right investment partner to create the kind of business I know that Vegan Sandwich Co has the potential to be but unfortunately, time has run out. Anyone who has visited any of our stores knows that we have the best staff of anywhere in this city, so to them I need to say a huge thank you. It’s thanks to all of our staff, past and present, that we have managed to achieve everything we have to date."
Circa, Terenure
Circa on the Terenure Road in Dublin 6W was known for its warm atmosphere while also serving high quality affordable food. It won the prestigious Michelin award which focuses on great food at affordable prices back in 2019.
In a statement posted on its social media pages, owner Ross Duffy said: "Due to the seemingly constant price increases facing us from all sides and staff shortages, the management has taken the difficult decision to close Circa. We have loved feeding you, wining you and, in general, having you with us since we opened.
"We are so proud of all we have achieved in our little part of Dublin. It has been a very interesting four years and we are grateful to you all. We have tried very hard to battle on but now is our time to finish in Terenure."
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Monk's Green, Phibsborough
Monk's Green, a beloved cafe in Phibsborough, closed their doors on September 28. The cafe used to be known as Woodstock and has been serving locals for over 30 years.
A sign posted on the door of Monk's Green announced the closure and thanked Phibsborough locals for their loyalty over the decades. Cafe bosses wrote: "Thank you for your many years of loyal custom. We've had both fun and crazy times.
"Thanks to our incredible team over the years, we've learnt so much from working with you. After 30 years in Phibsborough, first as Woodstock then as Monk's Green, we will really miss you!"
Dorian, Donnybrook
Dorian in Donnybrook announced their closure on September 20. Restaurant bosses said: "It is with a heavy heart that we will be closing Dorian’s doors for the last time.
"Sadly, with the devastating rising costs, matched with the increasing struggles of running a restaurant in these times, we have had to make the difficult decision to close the restaurant for the foreseeable future. We are profoundly grateful for the dedication of our staff and thank the community & regular customers for its patronage over the short period we were open.
"Alas, hopefully we will meet again, in happier and more stable times & toast a drink once again."
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Lifeboat Beef and Reef, Skerries
Lifeboat Beef and Reef on Harbour Road revealed they were closing for good on Sunday, October 2.
Explaining the reasons for the decision to shut, they said: "We’ve had to make the difficult decision to close our doors at Lifeboat Beef and Reef, despite our best efforts. We stand with the many other small businesses across the country who have faced similar challenges with rising costs making it impossible to continue - so we have had to make the hard decision to shut up shop.
"It’s been our pleasure to welcome families and friends through our door to enjoy our fresh & tasty food and create memories that will last a lifetime, thank you for your custom and loyalty. A huge thanks to our staff who have given their all to make sure our customers leave with their bellies full and a smile on their faces, we appreciate all your hard work."
Lenehans Bar and Grill, Rathmines
The owners of Lenehans Bar and Grill announced the immediate closure of their Rathmines restaurant last month, just three years into operation. The business, which is owned by Fallon and Byrne founders Paul Byrne and Fiona McHugh, was located on Rathgar Road and was a prime spot for brunch and cocktails.
The business confirmed the sad news with a sign on the door of the premises. The sign read: “Unfortunately Lenehans has had to close as of today. We are very grateful for everyone’s business so far and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Do you miss a local restaurant or pub that has closed down? Has your community been hurt by the loss of a business? We want to hear from you. And what can be done to help businesses as the cost of living crisis continues to hit Ireland? Are business owners getting enough support from the Government? Tell us about the businesses your community has lost and what should be done in the comment here.
