Food and hospitality sector ‘struggling to deal with ever-increasing costs’

The manager of Derry’s City Centre Initiative has expressed sympathy for people within the food and hospitality sector “struggling to deal with the ever-increasing costs”.

Jim Roddy’s remarks came in the wake of the closure of a popular café and restaurant in the city this week, Synge & Byrne in Foyleside, and Pyke ‘N ’Pommes on Strand Road.

The owners of Synge & Byrne blamed challenging market conditions, rising costs, and a growing debt burden.

The owner Pyke ‘N ’Pommes said “with ever increasing food costs, wage and National Insurance increases [and] constantly rising energy costs … business is not sustainable anymore”.

Jim Roddy, manager of Derry’s City Centre Initiative.

Speaking to The Derry News, Mr Roddy said: “I am saddened to hear of the news of the closure of Pyke and Pommes restaurant on Strand Road and Synge & Byrne within Foyleside this week.

“My thoughts initially are with the staff and business owners and all those affected by this.

“Kevin Pyke has been instrumental in shaping the street food scene locally and is, I believe, one of the first to bring street food to an indoor setting in the city. I know his restaurant on Strand Road was very popular, as is his pod along the quay, which I am glad to see will remain open.

“Synge and Byrne - a long-standing tenant of Foyleside Shopping Centre that attracted a large customer base, used many local suppliers, who will also be affected by these closures.

“This wouldn’t have been an easy decision for either business owner to make and I very much feel for them and their staff, who will no doubt now be seeking employment elsewhere.

“I also feel for those within the food / hospitality sector who are struggling to deal with the ever-increasing costs, which are affecting this sector particularly.”

Synge & Byrne announced the closure of all its branches in the North, including Foyleside, on Wednesday, while confirming it had no plans to close any of its branches in the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 2013 by brothers Damien and Adrian Garvey from Forkhill in County Armagh, Synge & Byrne had traded for 12 years in the North.

In a social media statement, the founders blamed “challenging market conditions, rising costs, and a growing debt burden” for the closures.

“[They] have left us with no other option,” they added.

Last Monday, the owners of Pyke ‘N ’Pommes announced what they described as a “strategic restructuring of its operations”.

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In a social media post, they said: “After many unforgettable years of sharing burgers, tacos, beer, wine & memories with you, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the doors on 53-55 Strand Road.

“Pyke ‘N ’Pommes Strand Road will serve its last meal on Saturday, January 31.

“It has been extremely difficult over the past few years with ever increasing food costs, wage and National Insurance increases, constantly rising energy costs! I could go on and on. The reality is the business is not sustainable anymore.

“This decision hasn’t come easy. Pyke ‘N ’Pommes has been more than just a restaurant. It’s been a place where community gathered, friendships were made and countless celebrations were shared over good food, wine and beer. To everyone who supported us, dined with us & made Pyke ‘N ’Pommes feel like home, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your loyalty and love have meant everything to us.”