Athlone café announces closure due to 'constant rising costs'

Kafe U, located on the Dublin Road opposite TUS, has announced the closure of the business at the end of this month due to 'constant rising costs.'

Ballycumber based couple Ken Robinson and Ultan Keena own and run the café together and took to social media to reveal the sad news. The café will close on Sunday, June 30.

Ken and Ultan said: "These last twelve months have been the most difficult for us with constant rising costs across all areas of the business. The increased VAT rate along with all of the other costs including labour, food and energy have made our business no longer viable.

"It is with heavy hearts that we must say goodbye to all of our 16 staff and our thousands of valued and loyal customers." The local business owners also thanked their customers for all of the memories and laughs they've had over the past nine years of running the café.

"We are very proud of the business that we have built up in Athlone but it is time for a new chapter and it's always nice to finish when you are on top," concluded Ken and Ultan.

The couple previously owned another Kafe U in Clara which closed last January.

Anyone with vouchers is invited to use them before the café closes its doors for the final time on Sunday, June 30.