Councillor calls for ‘comprehensive approach’ to support food service industry following closure announcements in Cork

THE closure of two city centre based restaurants was announced in recent days, with a local councillor saying that there is now a “pressing need for a comprehensive approach to support and revitalise the service industry”.

Popular Chinese restaurant Tung Sing closed its doors on Patrick St for the final time on Saturday, after 60 years of trading on the city centre's main street.

The business cited increasing operating expenses as the reason behind the decision.

"Due to the constantly increasing cost and operating expenses that we have incurred we are heartbroken to inform people that the Tung Sing on Patrick Street will close its doors for the last time tomorrow evening, Saturday 6th January," Tung Sing said in a post on social media ahead of the closure.

"We wish to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of our loyal customers and patrons who have supported us constantly during our time here and will forever cherish all the wonderful memories which all of you have created in the restaurant."

The announcement followed the news last month that Tung Sing opened a stall in Cork's Marina Market.

Independent councillor Ken O’Flynn described the Patrick St establishment as a “true Cork institution” and said its closure marked “the end of an era”.

Elsewhere in the city centre Pigalle, a much-loved gastropub on Barrack St which featured in the Sunday Times Top 100 places to eat in 2023, also announced that it has closed for business, effective immediately.

The team shared on their Facebook page: “After (almost) 5 years in the biz, we are absolutely heartbroken to be announcing the official closure of Pigalle.

“We are so grateful to have had the chance to do what we love for so long, and we are extremely appreciative for the incredible support we've had since we opened in 2019.

“To all of the staff past and present, thank you for being absolutely amazing, you will all be so fondly remembered. Goodbye for now.” 

The team informed customers that all vouchers are redeemable in Tom Barry's bar and pizzeria next door, and to organise a refund, people should contact pigalle.acc@gmail.com.

Mr O'Flynn addressed the concerning surge in closures of cafés and restaurants across Cork city and county in recent months.

“While some closures have made headlines, others have gone unnoticed, amplifying the need for immediate attention.

“The contributing factors to this wave of closures are multifaceted, with the cost of living, escalating insurance expenses, and energy spikes in recent years posing significant challenges for struggling businesses.

“The knock-on effect has left many establishments unable to weather the storm, necessitating a thorough re-evaluation of VAT policies and targeted interventions to address industry-specific issues.” 

He explained that in a recent conversation with a café owner, “it became evident that the minimum wage increase has forced difficult decisions, leading to staff reductions and adjusted operating hours.

“This underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to support and revitalise the service industry,” he said.

Mr O'Flynn said he believes “not enough is being done to support the lifeblood of our cities and towns – the small businesses that form the backbone of our communities,” urging the government to spearhead innovative strategies to preserve, facilitate, and protect these enterprises.