Popular Laois restaurant's beef bill rockets

A popular Laois restaurant has been hit with potentially huge rise in its running costs due to a big hike in the cost of beef.

The operators of Hare's Corner in Mountmellick took to social media to highlight the problem which has left the business scrambling for new suppliers. 

"We have unfortunately been hit with a 45% increase in our beef and therefore have no choice but to amend pricing and the possibility of removing it from our menu altogether until this mess somehow clears up. Thinking of all restaurants and butchers that are facing the same issues, more sickening times ahead," said a facebook post.

Edel Connolly has run The Hare’s Corner in Mountmellick with Brian White and Johnny Connolly. She elaborated on the situation faced to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Ms Connolly said their beef supplier invoices every three months.

"It shocked me to be honest," she said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

When she reviewed previous invoices she calculated that the change in cost for the same amount of beef amounted to a 46% increase. This led her to double check with her supplier but there was no mistake in the invoice.

"We use about 100 kgs of beef a week so it would be a big blow to our menu to take it off. We would not be able to pass on that kind of price increase to customers - it would not be fair," she said.

On foot of the social media post, she said local butchers have made contact and quoted prices which will allow her to save money. 

"The fact that they have reached to us is kind," she said.

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She said many of her customers are farmers or are involved in agriculture so she understands the struggles the farmers face with prices. She said she would like to be able to buy directly from local farmers. 

Hare's Corner was hit during the cost of living crisis with a huge rise in the cost of electricity which Ms Connolly says nearly closed the business. She said prices had to rise to compensate but this led to a loss of custom.