Popular Dublin company Fallon & Byrne has announced the sudden closure of their "loss-making" food hall in Rathmines.
Staff in the outlet, which is located in the Swan Shopping Centre in the area, were informed that the branch would close with immediate effect on Thursday.
Fallon & Byrne was founded in 2006 by investors including Paul Byrne and his wife Fiona McHugh.
The company broke the news to the public via Instagram admitting that the decision was a very difficult one to make.
The statement said: "It is with extreme regret that we have decided to close the Swan Centre location from January 2 this year.
"The decision was an incredibly difficult one, taken after much careful consideration. Unfortunately, the location was loss-making and, while we did everything we could to avoid a closure, we feel that acting decisively now will be positive for the business overall."
They continued: "We appreciate that this will come as a considerable shock to you and we share in everyone’s sadness and disappointment. We are now entering a consultation period and will be in regular, open communication as that process develops."
They concluded: "We have held a meeting with the Rathmines team this morning and will hold a further one in Exchequer Street at 3pm in the board room on the top floor, which you are all welcome to attend."
The company's Rathmines store opened in 2017 and was the biggest of their three food halls located around Dublin.
It also operates outlets on Exchequer Street in Dublin city centre and in Dun Laoghaire.
The group also plans to open a major new outlet in Dundrum Town Centre in the coming years.
