A multi-award winning café in Portadown is set to close its doors in Portadown at the end of this month.
The shock closure of the hugely popular Yellow Door deli was announced by its owner, Simon Dougan, on Saturday evening.
“It is with extreme sadness and regret that we announce today that the Yellow Door Deli in Woodhouse St, Portadown is to close,” Mr Dougan wrote.
“Our final trading day in the café/deli market will be Saturday, October 26, 2024.
“After 27 years of serving our loyal customers, many of whom have become very close friends, we must say a final goodbye.
“The deli is a large premises and with that comes large overheads. We have tried to reinvent the deli over the last few years, but with soaring food, packaging and energy prices, coupled with staff costs, and the challenge of recruiting staff, the café/deli is no longer financially viable, and hasn’t been for a while.”
Mr Dougan said the company, which has many other arms, will concentrate on those that are profitable, such as its wedding and events catering for private and corporate clients, and wholesale bakery, which are unaffected and will continue to operate as normal.
He added: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our valued customers for their support and friendship over the years, and to the staff who have worked extremely hard to make the deli the welcoming place it is.
“In the meantime, pop in over the next three weeks and grab yourself a bargain; we’d be delighted to see you.”
Last December, Yellow Door announced the closure of its Belfast deli – run by Simon’s cousin, Andrew Dougan – after 25 years.
The company, which started as a Gilford restaurant in 1992, has grown into one of the most highly regarded catering companies, serving food at some of the most significant corporate events in the business calendar.
The news of the closure in Portadown has come as a huge shock to many, and is another blow for the hospitality industry on the high street.
“The yellow door has been a gleaming deli and restaurant for Portadown without which the town would never have ever been the same,” wrote one woman. “Keep climbing with the catering and events but alway know you won our hearts and tummy’s here in Portadown a long time ago. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the many years of amazing food and fabulous service from your long serving staff who always have gone above and beyond.”
Another wrote: “Ahh, can’t believe the deli is to close …such an unbelievable loss..no better food will you ever experience! So glad the catering and events will continue, some of the best days and happiest memories of my life working for Simon and the yellow door family!
