A renowned Belfast chef is closing two of his three restaurants in Dublin as he warned the industry is no longer sustainable.
Dylan McGrath is closing Brasserie Sixty6 and Rustic Stone, the former after 25 years in business and the latter after 15.
The restaurateur was born in Dublin and raised in Belfast, where he was best-known for working in Roscoffs, then the north’s only Michelin-starred restaurant.
In a social media post, Mr McGrath confirmed the third of his three restaurants in Dublin, Fade Street Social, will remain open.
“Looking at hospitality in the city, the time has come where we have decided it’s simply not sustainable,” the post said.
“It’s hard to put into words what has happened to restaurants and the city centre in the last four years.
“Brasserie Sixty6 has had 25 years in business and Rustic Stone has had 15. We would like to thank all of our customers over the years, our suppliers and all those who spent their happy times dining with us.
“No doubt we will miss the restaurants, but selling on the leases and concentrating on Fade Street Social currently is what’s needed. We wish the new occupiers all the success for the future.
“For all the great people who have worked with us over the years, that came and trained with us, that became better, and made us better, we want to say thank you.”
Mr McGrath said it is a “very challenging” time for the restaurant industry.
“This is a very challenging time for stand-alone restaurant models. Rustic Stone and Brasserie Sixty6 have been very successful restaurants in Dublin City for a long time, but hospitality is changing and we believe our strong work ethic is better applied to new and different opportunities.
“We will be focused on Fade Street Social and making it the best it can be. We look forward to welcoming you in Fade Street as always.”
