Long-standing Kirkcaldy restaurant announces its closure
The doors are set to close at a popular Italian restaurant in Kirkcaldy.
Marino and Joe’s La Passione has announced it will shut on Sunday April 26.
The owner of the long-established St Clair Street venue blamed rising costs on the decision.
Posting on the business’ Facebook page, the restaurant said: “Well, Joe’s La Passione is almost a year old. What a year of ups and downs it’s been. Although the lease is not available for renewal, I’ve thought long and hard about if I would have been signing for another year. After great consideration, I had ultimately decided that economically it’s just not desirable.
“With rising costs on everything – food, energy, council rates – plus Scottish license board capping the seating capacity from a 100-seated restaurant to a 40-seated restaurant due to not having enough amenities for wheelchair users and further disabled toilets.
“That has been a massive financial challenge.”
The restaurant - which has served generations of diners - will close for the foreseeable future on Monday, April 27.
The statement added: “Thank you to all customers, old and new, for your fantastic support. The following we’ve built in a year is amazing. Thank you to all the staff – I wish you all the best in the future. This was your venture as well as mine. It couldn’t have been done without you.”
The Press contacted the restaurant and was told the owner was not available to comment.