Family-run restaurant set to close after more than 25 years

A popular family-run restaurant in Portadown is is set to close at the end of March.

J.D Tipler’s owners have described the announcement to close the restaurant as “difficult” after more than 25 years in business adding that it was a “personal family decision”.

A Facebook post read: “As of 26th March 2023 at 8pm we will cease to trade as a restaurant.

“In some ways this decision from a family point of view has been easy to make but equally difficult when we think about how we will be letting our community of loyal customers down.

“Over 25 years our restaurant has been a meeting place for friends, families, new relationships, business meetings and more.

“We have built friendships with our customers, as have our staff and we have made more memories than we could ever have imagined.”

Vivienne, Jordyn (above) and Dane Busby told loyal customers it would be “easy” to blame the decision on the current economic climate but said they would rather be open and honest.

“This is purely a personal family decision,” they explained.

“We have put our hearts, souls, long hours, and tired feet into building our business into the success it is today.

“We have gained so much more than we ever could have hoped for year on year.”

While the he bar and off licence will stay open Jordyn and Dane intend to explore other opportunities within their careers after dedicating 17 and 15 years respectively to the popular eatery.