ONE OF Grafton Street's most recognisable businesses has been forced to close its doors for good, with the loss of over 100 jobs.
Bewley's Café on Dublin's Grafton Street, long a staple for both locals and tourists alike, has been operating for almost 100 years since it was first opened in 1927 and is acknowledged as being a Dublin landmark.
Having just undergone a multi-million, three-year-long refurbishment in 2017, the owners of the Café have sadly confirmed that the iconic café will be closing permanently in the coming weeks, with 110 people losing employment.
In an email sent to staff and seen by RTÉ News, management said "it was with deep regret and great sadness that it is likely to be necessary to permanently close over the coming weeks", with the losses of all jobs.
"We would like to sincerely thank all of the staff who work in the business for their loyalty and dedication which has made Bewley's Café on Grafton Street a landmark, iconic and memorable place to visit.
"We would also like to thank our loyal customers over the decades."
The café has been described as a Dublin landmark and has been in operation since 1927.The café had been temporarily closed since mid-March as the Government's social distancing measures came into effect in order to slow the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland, but the lack of business over the past two months means that the café cannot afford the annual €1.5 million lease on the building.
The building is owned by Ronan Group Real Estate, which is owned by developer Johnny Ronan.
RTÉ News reports that in 2012 an independent arbitrator had recommended that the rent be cut to €728,000 a year, but the landlord did not accept the proposal and the decision was overturned when taken to the Supreme Court.
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