Two beloved Cork cafés, The Kabin Cafés, have closed their doors unexpectedly, leaving a void in the community. Owner Tadgh Long announced the closures on Instagram, citing the relentless rise in operating costs as the driving force behind the difficult decision.
“It is with deep regret that we announce the imminent closure of both our Kabin Cafés in Ballinhassig and Ballincollig,” Long wrote. “The unforeseen rising costs of doing business have made it impractical for both premises to operate successfully.”
The Ballinhassig location closed its doors on January 19th, followed by the Ballincollig café on January 26th.
Long expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone who supported the cafés over the years. “We want to express our sincere thanks to everyone that has supported our cafés in recent years, we have truly enjoyed every moment,” he shared.
He also extended a heartfelt thank you to his staff, acknowledging their dedication and commitment. “Sincere thanks to our fantastic staff, who have provided a fantastic customer experience all day, every day,” Long added.
The closures come amidst a challenging economic climate, with rising costs impacting businesses across various sectors.
Customers expressed their sadness and disappointment on social media,lamenting the loss of these popular gathering spots. Many described the cafés as ”a big loss” to the community.
Long assured customers that anyone unable to redeem gift vouchers before the closures could do so before the weekend.
Local Community Mourns Closure of Beloved Cafés
Two popular Cork cafés, known for their welcoming atmosphere and delicious offerings, have announced their permanent closure, leaving customers heartbroken. Management confirmed the Ballinhassig location shut its doors on January 19th,followed by the Ballincollig café closing for the last time on January 26th.
A statement from management expressed heartfelt gratitude to both staff members and patrons, acknowledging the dedication and effort put forth to create a fantastic customer experience. “Personally, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to both the management and staff of both premises. I know the time and effort they put into giving a fantastic customer experience all day, every day,” they shared.
A Community Hub Lost
News of the closures sparked an outpouring of sadness from the community, with many lamenting the loss of these cherished gathering spots.Social media platforms overflowed with heartfelt messages expressing thankfulness for the warm ambiance, friendly service, and delicious food.
One customer shared, “So sorry to read this! The Kabin in Ballinhassig has been a wonderful facility for the village and wider community. Many thanks to the staff team who have made us all so welcome! Best wishes for the continued success of the catering side of the business.” Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Very sorry to hear this. Really enjoyed coming to the Kabin ballinhassig. Thank you to the management and staff and very sorry that this has happened.”
A third customer poignantly remarked, “So sorry to hear this, the Kabin was a lovely place to have lunch and catch up with friends. The community will really be at a loss. Thanks to all the staff and best wishes to you all xx.”
Despite the closures, there is a glimmer of hope. Thankfully,the owner’s catering business will continue to operate as normal,unaffected by the café closures.
What advice woudl Tadgh Long give to other small business owners facing similar challenges?
Archyde News: A Conversation with Tadgh Long on the Closure of Beloved Kabin Cafés
Archyde News Editor (ANE): Good afternoon, Mr. Long. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today regarding the recent closure of your esteemed Kabin Cafés in Ballinhassig and Ballincollig.
Tadgh Long (TL): You’re welcome.It’s been an emotional week, but I believe it’s importent to discuss the reasons behind our decision.
ANE: Let’s start there. You announced on Instagram that rising operating costs were the primary reason for the closure. Could you elaborate on that?
TL: Absolutely. We’ve seen a relentless increase in the cost of goods, utilities, and wages over the past few years.While we’ve done our best to absorb these increases,it has reached a point where it’s no longer sustainable for us to operate two premises successfully. The margins in the hospitality sector are already thin, and these unparalleled cost pressures have made it impractical for us to continue.
ANE: That must have been a very difficult decision to make. How long had you been considering this move?
TL: We spent several months trying to find ways to make it work, contacting suppliers, looking for alternatives to reduce costs without compromising the quality our customers have come to expect. But ultimately, we realized that the viability of both cafés was at risk if we continued.
ANE: The closures have certainly left a void in the community. Your cafés were popular gathering spots. What do you think your customers will miss the most?
TL: I think they’ll miss the sense of community we cultivated, the familiarity, and the personal touch we strove to provide. We knew our regulars by name, their orders, and their preferences. It was more than just a café; it was a place where people felt welcomed and connected.
ANE: Your sincerity and gratitude towards your staff and customers were evident in your Instagram post. How will you support your team during this transition?
TL: We’re doing everything we can to support our staff. We’ve had open and honest conversations with them about the situation and provided them with references and assistance in finding new employment. I’m also ensuring that they’re paid for the hours they’ve worked up until the closures. They’ve been fantastic, and I want them to know how much we appreciated their dedication and hard work.
ANE: Looking back, what are you most proud of achieving with the Kabin Cafés?
TL: I’m most proud of the community we built. We turned our cafés into spaces where people could relax, work, meet friends, or enjoy a quiet moment. We hosted local events, supported charities, and even held cooking classes. It was more than a business; it was a labor of love.
ANE: Unluckily, your story is not an isolated one. many small businesses are facing similar challenges. What advice would you give to other business owners in your position?
TL: I would say, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to industry associations, local enterprise offices, and other business owners. Lobby your local representatives about the challenges you’re facing.And when it comes to decisions like this, it’s better to be honest with your team and customers from the start. They’ll appreciate your clarity and respect your decision.
ANE: Mr.Long, thank you for your candid and insightful responses. We appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective on this challenging situation.
TL: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
ANE: We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
TL: Thank you. I look forward to seeing what the future holds.
