In an announcement made on Monday on social media, famed eatery Dillinger’s, located in Ranelagh, revealed it will be ceasing operations come the onset of November. After its commencement in 2009, the restaurant swiftly grew into a fan-favourite spot, known for serving dinner six nights every week and drawing crowds for its weekend brunch offerings.
The establishment belonged to a group of restaurants inclusive of the Butcher Grill and 777, located on South Great George’s Street, all under the supervision of John Farrell. The final service at Dillinger’s is scheduled for November 4th, as divulged on their Instagram page.
The farewell message read, “Well, mates, it’s been a grand 15 years and now is the time for us to bid farewell.” It continued with praise for the diligent staff, stating, “You chaps have been astounding. Your dedication, cheer, and capability to manage all situations (even the sporadic kitchen calamity) made every shift memorable. Without you, none of this would’ve been possible. We part ways with full hearts, bright smiles, and perhaps a craving for one last brunch.”
This closure follows two months after renowned restaurateur Dylan McGrath shut down two of his ventures, Brasserie Sixty6 and Rustic Stone, claiming their operational viability was “simply impossible.”
The Restaurants’ Association of Ireland had previously advocated for a decrease in the VAT rate to 9 per cent for the industry in the recent budget. They had expressed concerns that the government’s inaction towards the hospitality sector could lead to additional closures. Reflecting on this situation, the chief executive of the association commented that it was “despondent to witness another excellent restaurant shut down.”