Business and health changes force closure of much-loved Laois café in Portlaoise

Economic challenges and serious health issue forces the operators of The Pantry Café in Portlaoise to shut after nearly 12 years of trading.

Located on Market Square and taken over by Mark Healy and Ladonna McCartan in 2014, the business soon expanded its reputation for home-baking, lunches and coffee.

Mr McCartan explained the reasons for the surprise closure in a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“This decision was not taken lightly. Over the years and like many other, we have navigated the considerable challenges facing small businesses, and particularly those in the hospitality sector. We have adapted and innovated with grit, determination and a genuine desire to keep our doors open and the buzz going, within our beloved neighbourhood eatery,” she said.

However, she said these current "economic challenges and market conditions" are further compounded by a turning point in this couple's personal circumstances with Mr Healy's "sudden, serious and ongoing health issues".

“This was an unexpected and profound shock for us. As a full-time husband-and-wife team, our outlook for Mark is a gradual road to recovery which means that for now, we’re steering our two businesses with only half our strength at the helm. This is not the chapter we had envisioned, but we remain hopeful for brighter days ahead, even as this shift means an alteration in the way we started out. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: Ladonna McCartan and Mark Healy at the Retail Excellence Ireland Awards in 2023 where Nook & Cranny was honoured.

"We are delighted to confirm that our gift store, Nook and Cranny, remains open and look forward to welcoming familiar faces and new friends alike as we continue to be a small part of the joy and connection that makes our community so special”.

"We would like to reassure our customers and suppliers that our café closure is being managed in a structured and entirely responsible way. In every decision we made, we have tried to ensure that the cafe is being wound down with care and consideration.

"We are profoundly grateful for your support, which has made an enormous difference to us both – not to mention the friendship, encouragement, and loyalty shown by our customers, suppliers, neighbours and media over the years.

"And we are especially grateful to our staff; an outstanding group of human beings who we have enjoyed coming to work alongside and each of whom have made The Pantry Café such a special place since the day we first opened.
We close our café doors with heartfelt thanks & fondest memories," said Ms McCartan.

She added that gift vouchers for The Pantry Café will be honoured in full at the sister business Nook and Cranny Gift Store, 44 Main Street, Portlaoise.

The Pantry Portlaoise have received the John & Sally McKenna Guide’s recommendation for the Best in Ireland 2017.

The building which houses the pantry has been the location of a hospitality business since 1932 when Margaret established Gray's restaurant which according to Portlaoisepictures.com became an eminent landmark in the town.

The local websit further recounts that the restaurant was subsequently managed by various people trading under a variety of names: Belcort, Graze, Alanna's, the Square Meal and of late The Pantry.