News just came in via @lunchblock on Twitter that Carluccio’s have closed their Dublin branch. I thought their meal deal (€12 for a starter, pasta and a coffee) was one of the best around, although people left mixed reports here previously on their service. The notice in their window suggests that high rents were the issue, and this definitely seems to be a problem for many in the sector.
Will you miss Carluccio’s?
Related posts:
1 | M Stewart
There are parts of this city where rent are not too expensive I think it is time that these people should collectively consider moving.
2 | Peter
Good point, I wonder how much the tenants are getting together to protest against this crippling rents. Somebody needs to tell the landlords that the party’s over. Their behaviour is typical of the short-sighted money grubbing that characterised the worst excesses of the boom years (I can’t say Smeltic Liger): they’ll figure it out when they have no tenants at all. Sad to see Carluccio’s go as it is with any business, this was a decent restaurant
4 | kikka
we’ll miss Carluccio’s….. the best chocolate in the town and what can we say about the focaccia????? There is no place in Dublin in wich you can find it!!!!!!
I’m really sorry for the staff…60 people without a job!!!!!
I hope the landlord will considerer it and will negotiate the rent ….. It’s his foult if 60 more people are redundant!!!!!!
5 | nanazolie
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:09 pm
I wasn’t keen on their paninis, but the focaccia was excellent. And the service at the deli counter was very good. I’m sorry for their staff
6 | Socmel
In terms of rent, I am sure they signed a contract, and thats that. The landlord may be getting hammered by the banks and so cant pay his mortgage. But thats why restaurants should vote with their feet and move to lower rent places. Its a bit like throwing toys out of the pram to completely leave the country. Move to a cheaper place and save the 60 jobs. The restaurant was distinctly average. Plastic Italian restaurants like this will be a victim of the slump, fingers crossed.
7 | Paula
Their hot chocolate was indeed excellent and I shall miss it as a treat…unfortunately the one evening meal I had there fell short in a number of areas. A shame as the deli counter and shop area was lovely and looked so appetising.
8 | Will
Their breakfast was distinctly poor too…
I agree with some of the other posts, rather than just closing, why didn’t they attempt to move premises to a site with lower rent?
9 | Rebecca
February 6th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Damn, I have a €50 voucher for there that I never got to use.
10 | Fiona
I am a restaurant owner and can tell all of you above that it is easy to just ask why don’t they move: the reality is that most of us are tied into crippling leases that we cannot get out of, that nobody can buy and have no option but to try to survive .
We also have huge rates, insurance, public liability, etc, not to mention the usual overheads. Unfortunately we have to count all these into the cost of the food on your plate - it’s not easy for anyone to survive with these circumstances. There are plenty of people would gladly give away their businesses if you took over their lease (and don’t forget the landlord has to agree to them too)!!
As company directors we are not entitled into any dole or social services help once our business is gone.
I hope this gives some insight into what’s going on from our end. Keep going out and support the places you like otherwise they will be gone!
11 | John
February 11th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
That’s a pity, really liked their deli offer of soup and sambo for €7. Re-open soon please!
12 | Laine
February 12th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I passed it today and it was reopen. They got their rent reduction after all. Even tho I wasn’t a fan, i’ve gone for breakfast twice and was disappointed - two strikes are your out. But i’m glad they are staying open and keeping 60 people in jobs. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2010/0206/1224263886838.html
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