MANY of those who struck it lucky at a Nicholas Street store that was one of the first in the city to sell National Lottery tickets were sad to learn that a family business close to their hearts is closing down.
Mike Treacy of Bakehouse 22 has announced he’s shutting up shop on the family business that has been in operation for 60 years.
Mike’s parents first opened the doors on Castle Street before moving to Nicholas Street. Many remember it as one of the first outlets in Limerick to sell Lotto tickets.
Mike says that falling trade and soaring costs have led to the painful decision.
Speaking on local Live 95 radio, he said: “We realised we couldn’t continue to trade. It was hard breaking the news first to my brothers and sisters and then to my own kids. One of my own kids was in tears”.
Telling loyal staff that the business will be put up for sale was just as hard, Mike said.
“Staff were so good. They were shocked, but still they were asking me ‘what about you guys?’
“It was lovely of them but it didn’t make this any easier.”
The business had a complete revamp some years ago when the RTÉ show ‘At Your Service’ with Francis and John Brennan ran a makeover feature and rebranded as Bakehouse 22.
Bakehouse 22 enjoyed a lot of business since then from visitors to adjacent King John’s Castle, but trading pressures and spiralling costs have made it impossible for the family to continue.
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