Having witnessed the paths beat to the door of Uncle Sam’s when they decided to stop trading in Kilkenny a few years ago, I imagine there may be similar scenes in Kilkenny this June bank holiday weekend.
After 57 years in business, the takeaway institution that is Cafe Roma on John Street in the heart of Kilkenny City is closing its doors for the final time this coming bank holiday Monday, 3 June. A sign posted to the window front door of the restaurant side in recent days made the call for last orders short and sweet.
A closing down notice on the window of Cafe Roma in Kilkenny. Photo: Ken McGuire / Ken On Food
“Dear customers, it is with great sadness that the Cafe Roma closes its doors on Monday 3rd of June after 57 years of business. We would like to thank all our customers, staff and suppliers for their support throughout the years. Our heartfelt thanks, Daniela and Domenico.”
See also: Check how Cafe Roma looked on John Street in 1987 via Kilkenny County Council’s digital archive
Much like other closures locally in recent times, the exit of Cafe Roma has been a topic of conversation for a while with the ‘for sale’ signs hanging on the front of the building, but it’s sad to see it come to pass all the same.
And while Cafe Roma’s existence long surpasses my time on earth, let alone Kilkenny, there’s been many a night lined up in the takeaway side waiting on one of the finest burger and chip combos in town, usually after strolling out of Langton’s at a late hour, while there’s definitely been a few no-frills sitdown dinners in there over the years as well.
For whatever comes next to the team behind the Roma, the very best of luck, you’ll be missed from the local takeaway scene.
