Locals are 'gutted' after a Leeds café became the latest to close its doors over the weekend due to soaring costs.
Kennedy's Coffee and Kitchen on Otley Old Road in Lawnswood served customers for the last time on Saturday, January 14. Owner Amanda announced the news on Facebook only a few days ago, saying the effect of "eye-watering" energy bills and the cost of living was too much to keep going.
Hundreds of regulars commented how sad they were to see the café go. In her post, Amanda said: "Its with the saddest of hearts that I have to tell you all I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close the doors of Kennedy’s.
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"I'm sure anyone who has ever stepped foot in our lovely café will know how much it means to me and my lovely team and how much we mean to each other, and I've agonised over this decision. I've put my whole life into this, financially and emotionally. The prospect of not seeing our amazing loyal regulars, (some of who come in more than once a day!!), is incredibly sad.
"Unfortunately some other factors out of my control, the cost of living and eye watering energy bills, has taking an insurmountable toll on my little indie business and I cant really continue to absorb that.
"The heart of Kennedy’s for me was always community and Kindness and our amazing customers helped us to create that. We thank every single one of you for your support, your chats, and the smiles."
Kennedy's was opened by Amanda in 2021 after the Covid pandemic persuaded her to try something different and leave her previous job as a nurse. One of its specialities were its Yorkshire pudding wraps.
Amanda's sister Kirsty wrote on Saturday: "Today Kennedy's closed it doors for the very last time due to the state of the uk, rising of bills consistently that any small business can only obtain for a certain amount of time, but above all because my lovely sister chose to put her family first."
When Kennedy's announced its closing, Dee Stevens said: "What an absolute hole you will leave hun. I am absolutely gutted for you all. I know that a lot of people will feel the same. You created a safe haven for so many people and touched our hearts. It will never be the same with the lovely Kennedy’s. Much loved and will be terribly missed. Wishing all the luck in the world and sending massive hugs and lots of love to you all. Thank you for everything"
Similarly, Joanna Sier said: "I’m so incredibly sad to hear this. Wishing you and your family and your lovely staff all the best for the future. You created such a lovely space for the neighbourhood for all ages and demographics and not just another trendy place with rocket high prices - you will be very missed."
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