McAteer's in Dundalk announces closure due to rising costs

McAteers The Food House at Clanbrassil Street in Dundalk has announced that as of today it has ceased trading, citing high costs, Brexit and the Covid pandemic, as reasons for its closure.

The Food House, which hosted a visit US President Joe Biden during his trip to Ireland last year, featured a gourmet food shop, Deli & Restaurant, and was a popular outlet on Dundalk's main street.

Announcing the closure on social media today, the owners said: "Today, we are bringing you some sad news. Unfortunately as of this morning, McAteers The Food House will cease trading.

"It has been a difficult few years ( as it has been for everyone else ) & has become harder by the day to keep the ship afloat. Brexit did not help & Covid changed so much. Now all these issues currently experienced in the hospitality industry such as really high food costs, energy, packaging & just basic supplies, together with this governments insistence on keeping the vat rate at 13.5% instead of 9% & all the extras they have thrown onto the small employer, has made it impossible for us to continue trading.

"As much as we would love to stay open, there is only so much we can charge for a sandwich before it becomes a total rip- off to the customer & as it stands, the way we like to run our business, means our current revenue is falling short to keep the doors open. So we have decided to close before the waters get too rough!"

Thanking the local community for its custom since it opened they added: "We have had a brilliant 15 years so would much rather end on a positive note.

"We have met so many fantastic people & dogs over our time here on the street & it is because of this that we shall be eternally grateful. We would like to sincerely thank each & everyone of you, whether you are an old regular, a current regular or just an occasional customer for spending your hard earned money here in McAteers. We feel the shop was like it’s own little community & had become a safe space where many of you felt comfortable to come into. We certainly hope this was the case."

McAteers also thanked the staff that have worked for them over the past 15 years, saying that: "the biggest thank you of all is to our wonderful staff. We have all been together a long time (a lot of people say it’s hard to get good staff, we couldn’t get rid of ours, thank God! ) & we have grown into our own little family.

"Like any family, there have been a few arguments along the way , but they have been few & far between. The Craic & laughs we have had over the past 15 years have made it all worthwhile. We have always had each others backs , & myself & Bob are just gutted that we can’t have your backs this one last time. We love you all & wish you nothing but good health & happiness in the future."