Portlaoise Café announces shock closure

A well established Portlaoise business has announced its shock closure.  

In a post on social media, The Pantry Café in Market Square, announced its intention to close after over a decade in business in the town. 

“After almost 12 years, The Pantry Café & Walled Garden has closed.

Notwithstanding the many challenges facing small businesses and the hospitality sector in particular, Mark’s unexpected, serious and now ongoing health issues mean that regrettably, we can no longer continue to operate two businesses with only 50% of our husband-and-wife duo at the helm for the foreseeable future.

Folks, we’re so deeply grateful for your loyalty, encouragement, and friendship along the way and we are especially thankful to the incredibly talented and hardworking team of humans we came to work alongside every day, who each made The Pantry so special. This is a voluntary, careful and responsible closure, with due consideration for our customers, staff, and supply partners,” The Pantry said in a statement on social media.

They added: “Kindly note: Pantry gift vouchers will be honoured in full at our sister business; Nook & Cranny , 44 Main Street, Portlaoise, where we 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.With heartfelt thanks, Mark & Ladonna.”