By Lauren Walsh
Copyright evoke
Dublin’s restaurant scene has been hit with another blow as a heavy hitter has announced its immediate closure. A popular south side eatery has revealed that it is being forced to shut its doors as the industry faces ‘insurmountable challenges.’
Big Mike’s in Blackrock is ‘going to sleep’ after many successful years. Its owner, Gareth Smith, announced the news with a heavy heart on Tuesday.
He explained the closing note was ‘one of the hardest things’ he has ever had to write. ‘It feels like failure, but it isn’t,’ he penned in an emotional statement on social media.
It isn’t the first time that Gareth’s business has faced financial difficulty, as he was forced to close his Mount Merrion-based seafood restaurant, Michael’s, in 2024.
Gareth revealed that Sunday, 21 September, was Big Mike’s last day of service. While he is understandably upset, he acknowledged that they are ‘proud of what they achieved.
‘We shot for the stars, poured everything into it — heart, soul, sweat, tears, life savings, even the house deposit — but the brutal truth is the maths just don’t math anymore,’ he wrote.
‘I’m proud of my team, grateful to our guests, suppliers, and FWBs, all of whom have been incredibly understanding,’ he added, noting that he will be ensuring all of his staff go to ‘new homes’ in the fallout.
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‘My final act as gaffer is to go to bat for my staff so they land safely in new homes and ensure they are fully supported. Many of them have been with me a long time, and I’m determined to assist them moving forward,’ Gareth added.
Customers rushed to the comment section to share their sorrow at the news, including several famous faces. Maia Dunphy led the way, sharing the closure note on her own page.
‘Well, this is fucking shit news from the inimitable Gaz at @michaels_dublin . If something isn’t done, and done fast, we’ll have nothing left but crap franchises,’ she wrote. ‘We don’t want another Starbucks or Wetherspoons, cheers. The 9% rate must be reinstated in #budget26 as soon as possible for starters. Not next summer, NOW. This really is awful.’
Lucy Kennedy followed, writing: ‘Ah no. So sorry to hear this.’
‘So sad to read this. Devastating to reach this point in the industry. Very best wishes to you all in your new chapters,’ another person penned, while a fourth added: ‘Very sad for you. We loved your restaurant, your staff, and your endless humour. Sending you best wishes x.
