Two of Dublin's most famous coffee shops, Bewley's in Grafton Street and Westmoreland Street, may be saved from closure as plans to resuscitate the business have proved successful.
The historic cafés, part of Bewley's coffee shop chain earmarked for possible closure last February, experienced a threefold jump in sales last month following the introduction of a new Mediterranean menu, table service, reduced pricing and the introduction of a Coffee To Go concept.
Doubts were cast over the future of the caf‚s earlier this year after they had failed to make a profit in two years. The decline is said to be a result of steep hikes in rent, rates and insurance, and increased competition from businesses like Starbucks.
A spokesman for Bewley's said the future of the cafés was still under question, although the success of the recent changes meant there was now scope for development.
"There's still a way to go, but the overall outlook is more positive than negative," he said.
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 29 April - 5 May 2004