Mario’s has closed two of its Italian restaurants, in Sandymount and Terenure, in South Dublin.
The popular Italian eatery originally had three restaurants: in Ranelagh, Sandymount and Terenure.
Closures
Earlier reports in the media had indicated that all the restaurants would be closing, however, it is now understood that Mario’s will close its Sandymount and Terenure outlets, while the restaurant in Ranelagh will remain open.
All three restaurants have existed in the Dublin suburbs for over 20 years and were known for serving traditional Italian food in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The announcement about Mario’s was made on a Terenure community page on Facebook called ‘I Love Terenure’.
‘Very Heavy Heart’
‘We are so very sad to say goodbye to Marios,’ read the statement.
‘They have been in the village for over two decades. It’s with a very heavy heart we say goodbye & thank you for all the memories and special occasions spent in the restaurant earlier this month.’
Local Community
Many loyal customers took to social media to express their sadness and disappointment about the closures.
‘What a shame, end of an era. Lovely staff and value for money,’ wrote a former customer.
The restaurant in Sandymount was particularly popular on match days, due to its close proximity to Aviva Stadium.
‘VAT Reduction’
Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, also noted the closure and called for more help for food-led businesses.
On a post on X (formerly Twitter), Cummins wrote, ‘Government support in terms of VAT reduction (and) extension of warehouse tax is required immediately to rescue food-led businesses across the state.’
