Popular restaurant latest cost of living casualty

Popular restaurant latest cost of living casualty

A popular Co Londonderry restaurant has become the latest NI food business to close, blaming staff shortages and soaring costs.

A post on the Facebook page of Moes Grill at Castledawson Roundabout said: “It is with deep regret that after 11 years in business, Moes Grill at Castledawson Roundabout has ceased trading from yesterday, Sunday 24th July.

“We are very sorry to our loyal customers for such short notice but we simply cannot keep trading due to severe chef shortages in our kitchen. We have been juggling chefs from our other locations for months now and it is no longer sustainable.

“Firstly, we would like to thank our staff, past and present, for making our Restaurant the special, Family dining location you have made it over the years. Without you, it would not have been possible.”
Owner Darren Clarke added: “It has been well documented the hospitality trade has suffered immensely over the last two years. Our gas & electric bills have nearly doubled. This would be bad enough for the business but added to every other cost the business pays out increasing, it has reached the point that our business is no longer financially viable.
“We would just like to thank all of our customers who supported us over the past 11 years. The support the Moes Group received from the local community was very special indeed. We cannot thank you enough and the area will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Other outlets in Antrim and Banbridge will continue trading as normal and  customers with vouxchers were assured they could use them at these venues.

The closure is just one in a long list of hospitality venues in recent weeks, including the Velveteen Rabbit Tearoom and Cafe in Newry, The Red Door Tea Room in Ballintoy, Co Antrim, Belfast restaurant Bia Rebel Ramen and Newcastle’s Copper Seafood and Grill.

Price hikes were blamed by all the business owners.

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