A popular coffee shop and café group have announced the closures of all nine of its stores across Northern Ireland.
Synge & Byrne – who most recently opened a store at the site of the former K11 Chinese buffet on the Dobbin Road, Portadown – also had cafés in the Belfast, Dungannon, Newry and Rostrevor areas.
It was founded by Forkhill brothers, Damien and Adrian Garvey in 2014 who continuously expanded their operations over time.
As it stands, the company currently employees approximately 80 people. They also have a number of branches in the Republic of Ireland.
According to The Belfast Telegraph the company have now informed both their creditors and employees of their decision to cease trading.
Director Damien Garvey said: “We are deeply sorry to have reached this situation.
“Despite our very best efforts to save the business, we have been unable to overcome the mounting difficulties we faced, not least the current market conditions impacting the hospitality sector, including soaring operating costs.
“This situation, combined with a growing debt burden, means we have no other option than to close our doors.
“We would like to thank the hundreds of talented and hardworking staff who have been part of our business over the past 12 years, as well as all the customers who supported us during that time.”
