A famous Dublin restaurant has sadly had to temporarily close its doors after 25 wonderful years blaming the "turbulent Covid-19" pandemic as the reason behind the move.
Popular food business Shack Restaurant in Temple Bar broke the news on Twitter saying trade had become "impractical" leaving it "financial impossible to remain open".
The restaurant on Essex Street released a heartbreaking statement where they described the future outlook of their business as "bleak".
They said: "With a broken heart and deep regret, I have to let you know that my wonderful restaurant of 25 years has not survived the turbulence of Covid-19 and find myself having to close temporarily as trading has become impractical and financially impossible to remain open."
They added: "From the depths of despair, I want to thank my staff most of whom have been with me for over 20 years and really wanted the restaurant to remain open.
"I want to thank the support of our suppliers, some of whom have supplied us from day one all those years ago.
"Most importantly, I want to thank all the people who visited us over those many years, for without your support, we would have never got to this point."
They concluded: "Maybe one day in the not so distant future, Covid-19 will be a part of history and the Shack Restaurant may be able to open once more, but that outlook today looks bleak.
"May I take this time to wish you all safety, health and happiness."
Over the weekend, Zozimus Bar on Anne's Lane announced the sudden news that it wasn't "feasible" to reopen safely at the moment also.
The popular hotspot said it would remain closed "until further notice" thanking customers for their support during what is their toughest time in Dublin.
Their statement reads: "In light of the current climate of Dublin City, it is with deep regret we inform you that Zozimus Bar will be closed for business until further notice.
"The security of our customers and staff has always been our priority and although we have attempted to safely reopen, it is sadly not feasible at this time.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support and patience. We cannot wait to welcome you back through our doors once the time is right. Stay safe."
Publicans groups warned of a “doomsday scenario” for Ireland’s pubs with up to two-thirds facing permanent closure by Christmas as the pandemic continues to devastate the trade.
The Vintner’s Federation of Ireland has said that after six months of shutdown, thousands of pubs that were already fighting to maintain their trade are on the edge of complete shutdown.
VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben says the support being offered by the state as paltry as has warned this morning that around two-thirds of Ireland’s pubs are on the brink and could closed before Christmas.
The state aid announced for pubs during the week amounts to €16m in various measures.
However, the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) reacted to the Government package for pubs, saying: “we asked for Support, Not Sympathy and the Government has given us crumbs”.
