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Edge Coffee in Holywood took to social media to thank its customers for the last three years that the café has been open in the town, but also hinted that the business could reopen in a different future format.
While service will stop at the High Street unit on Monday (October 30), the team said they are currently on the hunt for a “smaller more manageable unit” as bills such as electricity had quadrupled since opening three years ago.
In an Instagram post, the Edge Coffee owners posted: “The time has come to announce Edge Coffee, in its current format is closing at 98-100 High Street, Holywood.
“Our final day in this unit is Monday 30th Oct. Three years ago we opened on the brink of a pandemic, sharing part of a flower shop and we integrated ourselves into Holywood like we’d always been there – we feel like we owe you an explanation.
“We have had a blast, welcomed customers from all over, partied, had comedy shows, handed out over 300 free school meals, sponsored local sports, collected toys and cash for chosen charities, made lifelong friends with customers and staff – all while offering a coffee and food service. But sometimes that isn’t enough.”
They continued: “The fact is, the financial crisis after Covid has made things impossible for us here in this huge unit on High St.
“Not only did we cut our menu and staff completely due to ingredients from our wholesalers now costing up to 100% more than what they did 3 years ago, electric has quadrupled (but we should be thankful for the commercial “discount” we get) and our rent since taking on the entire space is an eye-watering figure, and at threat of being raised – and we are tired.
“Our decision is to move from 98-100 High Street Holywood to a smaller more manageable unit, ASAP.”
Affirming that this “isn’t a goodbye”, Edge Coffee has asked customers to help support them during their search for a new premises.
“This is where you can come in. This post, and on posters in the shop, have a QR to scan to support us. There is a link in our bio.
“We know everyone is experiencing financial strain at the moment, and we aren’t the only business in the sector that is fighting an uphill battle, but we can’t do this without our customers friends and family.
“This call to help is for those that want to support us keeping Edge alive while we are closed and saving to up and move our business to a new home. Using this QR code can be for those that would normally buy their coffee from us anyway, but can’t while we are closed. No amount is too little, and every donation will be so helpful.
“A donation over £5 will receive a free coffee in our re-opening week, a donation over £25 will find their name on our supporters wall in our new store!”
Many small local businesses have been facing the brunt of the increasing cost of living crisis in recent times, with higher business costs and less customers coming through the doors.
Earlier this month, the once bustling Belfast independent coffee chain Clements confirmed the permanent closure of three of its outlets.
At the beginning of this week, the owners of the Grand Central Bar in Derry – which dates back 100 years – said they too are “absolutely gutted” to announce its closure as a result of rising costs and stress.
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