A popular County Antrim restaurant has announced that it is to close its doors from after service next Sunday (19 September), citing difficulties with finding both kitchen and front of house staff.
Billy Andy’s based in Larne, has been a favourite with food lovers from across County Antrim, and many have shared their disappointment and best wishes with the restaurant owners:
‘I am so sorry to hear this, my favourite restaurant with amazing food and outstanding service. Thank you to you and your wonderful team I really hope this is a temporary decision.’
‘So sad. You have all put so much effort in through the years to turn it into the fabulous restaurant that is today. Fingers crossed you are able to reopen very soon.’
In a statement released on Friday evening the restaurant owners said:
“We regret to share with you our valued customers, that as of next Sunday 19 September we have no choice but to sadly close our doors for restaurant service, with the bar remaining open on limited hours which we will update later.
“We really hope this is a TEMPORARY measure. After sharing our passion for local and innovative food with you for seventeen years coming to this decision has been very tough.
“We have tried everything to prevent this from happening and been struggling to remain open for five months ( without over stretching our remaining team or sacrificing our values in quality).
“Sadly hospitality has lost a huge percentage of its staff and we are down to a level now that is just not possible to deliver our product.
“Our success has always been built on our team both in the kitchen and on the restaurant floor. We are fortunate to have recruited, worked with and trained some fabulous people down the years, sadly so many over this year and half have chosen to pursue different careers.
“We are still looking to recruit and provide great opportunities for both chefs and FOH to enable us to rebuild and hopefully one day be able to share our passion for food with our customers from Co. Antrim and beyond.
“We are still open this weekend and next and will update further as we work through this difficult time, however anyone concerned about your gift vouchers these will be accepted in Sleepy Hollow Food and further details of this will also follow.
“Big thank you to all our staff and loyal customers past and present who without we would not have had so many great years.”