The owners made an emotional announcement on social media this morning.
There have been many announcements of business closures in the wake of the COVID pandemic, and it seems unlikely that these announcements will be stopping any time soon.
Yet another one was made this morning, which is surely going to be bad news for regulars of Cork City's Bracken's Cafe.
Owners Declan and Fiona Bracken made the emotional announcement on
Facebook this morning (Thursday, December 17):
"Dear friends & customers, it’s with a heavy heart that we share the news that due to COVID-19 our cafe on Paul Street in Cork City has closed after 24 years in business. The social distancing requirements and many months of forced closure sadly made keeping our Paul Street cafe open impossible.
"The decision was not an easy one but the process of severing the lease on the building was just as difficult - and came at a devastating cost to us due to having to pay rent for 8 months and more while not being in business. Our heart goes out to all the other hospitality and retail businesses who too are being forced to pay bills when there is no income. It’s an impossible situation for small family run businesses who are the very heart of our communities.
"We can’t put into words what the cafe, our truly one of a kind staff and all the people who kindly visited us meant to us. We’ve been so proud to serve the people of Cork over the years and always thought, and still think, of our staff as extended family. They in turn made customers feel so welcomed and treated everyone with exceptional warmth and kindness. For that we are forever indebted to them."
The owners also confirmed that their bakery on Old Mallow Road will be remaining open.
Main image via Facebook/@BrackensBakery
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