As we inch closer and closer to that all important Government and NPHET decision on what steps the country will be taking over the Christmas period, one Dublin restaurant is staying closed this December whatever the final rules.
Michael's Restaurant on Mount Merrion took to Instagram posting a heartfelt and honest reason as to why they are making the costly decision to remain shut over what would normally be their busiest period.
They told customers that they could not accommodate for the uncertainty and risk not to mention the cost of a quick reopening adding that it would jeopardise other current and ongoing business plans.
Michael's apologised to customers but said that it was the right and reasonable thing to do.
They said: "I’m welling up typing this. Given the lack of guidance we have received and the speed at which December is approaching, we have made the very difficult decision to remain closed in Michael's throughout December.
Instead of opening our doors, we are going to focus on our current, viable operations so that we can guarantee full time employment to our staff in the run up to Christmas."
They continue: "As you can imagine, this decision was gutting for all of us. But, changing back to hosting customers in Michael’s - under restrictions we don't yet know - would be a massive undertaking.
"After seven months of constant pivoting, we simply cannot accommodate the uncertainty, risk, time and cost that would be involved to reopen at this stage."
They added: "We really hope you understand our decision. We are gutted to have to choose between welcoming you back through our doors, and ensuring job security for our team. It was an incredibly tough call to make.
"But we have to opt for stability, and choose instead to continue with our Click and Collect menu, our Street Food Sundays and the expansion of our Little Lockdown markets, including our brand new Little Lockdown Northside in Higgins Butchers.
"We're also going to have a new range of Christmas dinner options, to make your life as easy as possible on the big day."
They concluded: "We cannot express to you how much your support has meant to us. We cannot express how much this decision breaks our hearts. But we know that you can understand our reasons, even if you are as sad about them as we are. We can't wait for this to be all over and to welcome you back with thanks, hugs, and Jagerbombs."
