The demise of Bewley's cafés in central Dublin is "like part of Dublin dying", their emotional owner said today.
The two remaining outlets on Grafton Street and Westmoreland Street will stop trading before Christmas with 234 job losses.
Mr Patrick Campbell of owners, Campbell Bewley Group, described breaking the bad news to the staff last night as "very emotional". He said of the closure: "It's like a death in the family. It's part of Dublin dying. It's a very sad morning for me and my family. We're devastated."
Over €12 million was invested in the business in the late 1990s but it had since run up losses of €4 million .
Bewley's, which got its oriental link from its tea-importation business, opened its first café on Georges Street in 1894. The cafés - famous for their marble tables and stained glass windows - were steeped in tradition and adored by city dwellers and tourists.
Mr Campbell said today "The streets of Dublin are becoming homogenous We're becoming a sterile (business) environment.
"It's a moment we were hoping wouldn't happen. The tide was eventually running against us."
He told RTÉ Radio: "The rents in Grafton Street are the fifth-highest in the world. We're not getting support from anywhere."
Although the Luas has increased pedestrian volume on Grafton Street by 20 per cent , Mr Campbell said the layout of his cafes meant he couldn't capitalise on the extra business.
PA