The owners have three other outlets around the Liverpool City Region ‘still going strong’
Esposito’s has confirmed the closure at Mill Dam Park in Kirkby(Image: Handout)
The owners of a much-loved community cafe in Kirkby said they have “heavy hearts” after announcing the closure of its outlet in Mill Dam Park. Earlier this year, the cafe had initiated a “temporary closure”, but after unsuccessful efforts to save the business, the owners have confirmed the permanent closure of its premises.
Esposito’s is a small, family business which has nestled itself at the end of several parks around the Liverpool City Region, located at Mill Dam Park, Victoria Park in Widnes, Runcorn Hill Park and Court Hey Park. Those outlets have been embraced by local communities for providing the perfect rest stop on a Sunday stroll or a summer day.
It offers customers homemade cakes, treats, artisan sandwiches and handmade gelato every day of the week, and also boasts authentic Italian coffee to wash everything down. The business was founded in 1999 by Danny Esposito, starting out with a fleet of ice cream trucks. Success soon spiralled into the multi-location business, including an outlet at Mill Dam Park.
Esposito’s has confirmed the closure at Mill Dam Park(Image: Handout)
Mill Dam Park is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces where visitors can explore woodlands and meadows, take in scenic views at the lake and have plenty of fun at the on-site play facility.
Responding to the news, Danny told the Liverpool ECHO: “We’ve got family in Kirkby, so it’s been a great four years working there, building something up and being part of the community. Sadly, due to rising costs the Kirkby cafe was the one that became unsustainable for us. It’s been an absolute pleasure being there and and we hope the future is bright for Mill Dam Park and someone else can take it on.
“But we’re still going strong in our other locations in Court Hey Park in Huyton, Runcorn and Widnes. We’re so excited about the plans for Court Hey Park and we know it’s going to be a big thing for the community, and we’ll be there as usual, open and supporting everything going on there.”
The news of the Mill Dam Park cafe was announced by Knowsley Council on Tuesday (November 25). In a statement on it’s website, the council wrote: “Family run business Esposito’s has confirmed it is permanently closing its café at Mill Dam Park in Kirkby. The café – which opened in 2021 – was temporarily closed last month initially due to staffing issues but the company have now confirmed they will not be reopening on site.”
Esposito’s has confirmed the closure at Mill Dam Park(Image: Handout)
Danny told the local authority: “After a great deal of thought, and with a very heavy heart, we feel it is in the best interests of our company not to reopen the café at Mill Dam Park. This has been an incredibly difficult decision for us to make.
“As you know, we have worked hard to build something positive for the community over the past four years. We have met some wonderful people and seen moments of real community spirit – memories we will always carry with us.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us.”
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Naturally the council is really disappointed that Esposito’s will not reopen at Mill Dam but we have to respect the decision made by Danny and his team.
“We want to thank them for their hard work and efforts over the last four years and wish them and their business every success in the future.
“Of course, our attention will now turn to the future use of the building on site to ensure it remains a well-used and valued community asset.”