“Good days of takeaways are gone” as popular Derry takeaways set to close

Paschal Lawrance, owner of four Bridies takeaways across the city, told the Derry News that due to the current economic climate he has had  no choice but to close two of his premises.

Takeaways in Bishop Street and Culmore will close on May 25. The takeaways in Hatmore and Whitehouse will continue to operate as normal.

Mr Lawrance said the increasing costs have become “crippling”.

“We have had to increase our prices three times in the past year alone because of the cost of food increasing as well as the minimum wage going up recently. 

“On top of that, our rents have gone up.

“Even with the minimum wage going up, we have been finding it extremely difficult to take on new employees, which has been a thorn in our side.

“Honestly, the good days of takeaways are gone, and we have just had to consolidate. We’re closing earlier at night now because people just don’t have the spare money they used to.

“As well as that, I didn’t want my children to have to work seven days a week. I’m turning 65 this Friday and it’s just gotten too stressful to keep them all going.

“We’ll be keeping Whithouse and Hatmore open though, they’ll be okay,” he said.

Mr Lawrance thanked his customers for their loyal custom over the past 35 years of being in business.

“We do want to make sure though that people know we are very appreciative of your custom and will continue to be so, but we’re sorry to let our customers down by shutting these two stores.”