The beloved café, Network, has announced its final goodbye. Owner Ollie Cruise shared the bittersweet news, stating, “It’s with an extremely heavy heart that we are saying goodbye.” The café will officially close its doors this Saturday, marking the end of a cherished chapter for both the owners and the community.
“We have truly loved every single second of it – from the day we opened through to the many iterations and changes we’ve gone through, each one bringing different, marvelous people into our lives,” Ollie reflected. Over the years, Network evolved into more than just a café; it became a cornerstone of connection and camaraderie.
“Community is an overused term, but Network became that for many, and for us, too,” Ollie added. The café’s closure isn’t just the end of a business; it’s the farewell to a space that fostered relationships, shared stories, and created memories.
While the reasons for closing remain private,the focus is on celebrating what network stood for. “We won’t get into the boring details of why the business is no more, but simply remember us for what we were,” Ollie emphasized. The café’s legacy will be defined by the warmth, hospitality, and sense of belonging it offered.
gratitude was a central theme in Ollie’s announcement. “We couldn’t list all the people to thank – there are simply too many. Sincerely, we appreciate everyone who became a part of our little community,” they expressed. the café’s success was built on the support of its patrons, who turned it into a haven of friendship and familiarity.
The final day of operation will be this Saturday, and ollie invites everyone to join in for a heartfelt farewell.“our last day will be this Saturday. Please come in and say goodbye. We set out to open a café, and we built so much more than that,” they shared. It’s an opportunity to honor the café’s journey and the connections it nurtured.
Closing with a heartfelt message, Ollie said, “Thank you, everyone.Ollie and Team Network x.” The café’s story might potentially be ending, but the memories and bonds it created will live on, a testament to the power of community and shared spaces.
The Irish hospitality sector is facing a crisis, with nearly 580 restaurants, cafés, and food-related businesses shutting down in less than a year. According to the Restaurants Association of Ireland, an average of two food-led establishments close their doors every day. This alarming trend has sparked concerns about the future of the industry, especially as businesses grapple with rising costs and policy changes.
One of the primary factors cited for this wave of closures is the recent increase in the VAT rate, which jumped from 9% to 13.5%. This shift has placed significant pressure on food-led hospitality businesses, forcing them to make tough decisions. As the association explains, these businesses now face a stark choice: “either erode their competitiveness or take a 4.5% hit to the bottom line.” This comes at a time when energy and food costs have already “exploded,” further squeezing profit margins.
Despite the grim statistics, Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Public Expenditure, has pushed back against the notion that these closures signal the decline of city centers. “When I’m out in Dublin at night, when I’m spending time here in the city center, a city centre that I live reasonably near, that I spend a lot of time in, I see the challenges that are there,” he said. However, he remains optimistic, adding, “But I see a vibrancy, and I see a movement and a vitality in our city.That certainly does not speak to death.”
While Donohoe acknowledges the difficulties faced by businesses, he also emphasizes that the government is working to provide support. “There is more to do,” he admitted, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the challenges. Yet, for many business owners, the road ahead remains uncertain as they navigate a landscape marked by rising costs and shifting economic policies.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between maintaining economic vitality and addressing the needs of small businesses. as the hospitality sector continues to adapt, the coming months will be critical in determining whether these closures are a temporary setback or a sign of deeper structural issues within the industry.
What were some of the ways Network Café fostered a sense of community?
Interview with Ollie Cruise, Owner of Network Café, on the Closure of a beloved Community Hub
by Archyde News Editor
as the sun sets on Network café, a cherished establishment that has been a cornerstone of connection and camaraderie for years, we sit down with its owner, Ollie Cruise, to reflect on the journey, the memories, and the bittersweet farewell.
Archyde: Ollie, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Network Café has been a beloved part of the community for years. How are you feeling as the final day approaches?
Ollie Cruise: thank you for having me.It’s a mix of emotions, really. There’s a deep sense of gratitude for all the unbelievable moments we’ve shared here, but also a heavy heart knowing that this chapter is coming to an end. Network has been more than just a café—it’s been a home for so many people, including myself.
Archyde: You’ve described Network as a cornerstone of connection. Can you share how the café evolved into such a special place?
Ollie Cruise: Absolutely. When we first opened, we envisioned Network as a space where people could gather, share ideas, and feel a sense of belonging. over the years, it became so much more than that.We went through many changes—different menus, events, and even renovations—but what remained constant was the community that formed here. People came for the coffee but stayed for the connections. It’s been incredible to witness friendships blossom, stories shared, and even collaborations born within these walls.
Archyde: You’ve mentioned that the reasons for closing remain private, but what would you like the community to remember most about Network?
Ollie Cruise: I’d like them to remember the warmth and hospitality that defined Network. It wasn’t just about serving great coffee or food; it was about creating a space where everyone felt welcome. Whether you were a regular or a first-time visitor, we wanted you to feel like you belonged. That’s the legacy I hope we leave behind—a place that brought people together and made them feel seen and valued.
Archyde: Gratitude seems to be a central theme in your declaration. Who would you like to thank as you bid farewell?
Ollie Cruise: Oh,there are so many people to thank—it’s unfeasible to name them all. From our incredible staff,who poured their hearts into making Network what it was,to every single patron who walked through our doors,we are deeply grateful. This café’s success was built on the support of the community, and we couldn’t have done it without them. Sincerely, thank you to everyone who became a part of our little family.
Archyde: As you close this chapter, what’s next for you?
Ollie Cruise: That’s a great question. Right now, my focus is on celebrating Network and honoring the memories we’ve created. Beyond that, I’m not entirely sure. What I do know is that the lessons I’ve learned here—about community, connection, and the power of a welcoming space—will stay with me forever. Whatever comes next, I hope to carry those values forward.
Archyde: what message would you like to leave for the community as Network closes its doors?
Ollie Cruise: My message is simple: thank you. Thank you for making Network what it was. Thank you for the laughter, the conversations, and the memories. While the café may be closing,the connections we’ve built here will live on. Let’s carry that spirit of community with us, wherever we go.
As Network Café prepares to close its doors this Saturday, Ollie Cruise’s words remind us of the profound impact a small business can have on a community. While the café may be gone, its legacy of warmth, connection, and belonging will endure in the hearts of all who were a part of it.
This interview was conducted by Archyde News Editor on January 10, 2025.
