Coffee giant with over 600 stores abruptly shuts popular branch for good as fans left ‘so lost’
A COFFEE giant with over 600 stores has abruptly closed a popular branch for good - as fans have been left "so lost" over the news.
Closing down signs were spotted on the city centre café, with bosses saying the decision was outside their control.
The Caffè Nero branch, on Eign Gate in Hereford, is the latest of the company's to shut - following other closures in Gloucester and Carlisle.
The notice read: "Sadly after many years this Caffè Nero has had to close due to circumstances beyond our control.
"We have loved being here and would like to thank you for being a wonderful customer - it has always been a privilege to serve you."
After the news spread on Facebook, users rushed to share their disappointment.
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One said: "Been going there for ten years. This morning felt so lost because it's closed down."
Another wrote: "Used to love going in there."
And a third echoed: "Sorry to see them go."
However, other commenters were consoled by the fact that another branch is set to open in a different part of town.
The new store is due to take over unit 12 in the Old Market on January 31.
In the meantime, devotees of the chain will have to go to Monmouth for their brew, or buy coffee online, the sign added.
The beloved branch is not the only highstreet joint to close recently, as Village Bakery in London also announced it was shutting up shop.
Owner Samantha Davies blamed the closure on a Gail's opening on the same street - resulting in her "worst December in 19 years".
"Gail's has impacted everyone. It wasn't just December which was tough as we've also struggled in November and January.
"There should be something to stop them from coming in and pressurising local businesses."
When the chain announced plans to move into the road in Walthamstow, north London, nearly 2,000 locals signed a petition trying to block the opening.
However, the company ploughed on with its plans, welcoming its first customers three months ago.
A spokesperson for Gail's said: "At GAIL’s, we’re grateful for the support we’ve received and are mindful of the responsibility that comes with growth.
"As we expand, we remain focused on making a positive impact on the communities we serve and the changing landscape of the high street.
"We’ve always believed in revitalising spaces that were previously unused—whether it’s former bank buildings, restaurants, or other empty units.
"In Walthamstow, we moved into a vacant unit on Orford Road and are proud to be contributing to its ongoing evolution,
alongside an exciting variety of new food options.
"We’re committed to supporting the local community, too. In Walthamstow, we share leftover bakes with organisations like the Rukhsana Khan Foundation and Masjid Tawhid.
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"We’ve also partnered with the local community centre to organise their AGM and run a Christmas lunch for 40 elderly residents, where our Support Team served meals and spent time with the guests.
"All our bakeries are in areas where choices are expanding, and we believe the improvement in these food landscapes is something to celebrate."
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter.
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived. Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.