Beloved fast food chain shuts ALL its restaurants after a decade as owner says ‘we hung in there as long as we could'
A POPULAR fast food chain has announced it is closing all of its restaurants, after over a decade in business.
The restaurant's final two venues shut their doors for the last time on Sunday, with the owner declaring that running the eateries was "no longer viable".
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Chick 'n' Sours has closed its restaurants in Haggerston and Seven Dials in London, after hanging on "as long as we could".
However, fans of the chicken shop will be pleased to know that it will continue its residencies at the Roof East and Corner Corner food halls.
Chick 'n' Sours will also still be available on Deliveroo, with the brand also appearing at UK festivals and live music events.
Co-founder David Wolanksi wrote on Instagram: 'We do what we do because we love it, fuelled by passion and a desire to provide guests with awesome food and memorable dining experiences.
"But that's no longer enough these days.
'We hung in there as long as we could but I'm afraid we've now reached the point where operating the two restaurants just isn't viable anymore and it makes no commercial sense to continue.
"The casual dining restaurant model is broken, but that's for another post.'
Chick 'n' Sours was founded after David met Carl Clarke and Latitude and decided to launch a business.
The duo's aim was to create a "friend chicken shop like no other", and their business soon grew from a pop-up to four thriving London restaurants.
David said that staff at his restaurants are now looking for work, and encouraged hospitality businesses to get in touch with them with any opportunities.
Encouraging fans of the restaurant to dine at other independent venues, he added: 'Remember, there are so many awesome independent restaurants out there doing great things but finding it tough out there also.
"We know things are tight for everyone, but they need you.
"Go see them and spend your money with them, as the phrase 'use it or lose it' has never been so relevant.'
This follows the news that a top rated restaurant run by a Masterchef star has announced it's closure after 40 years.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in 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
The Angel in Dartmouth revealed that "difficult trading conditions" have led to the closure.
A statement from the restaurant, which is set to close on July 6, reads: "For over four decades, The Angel has been at the heart of the town's vibrant culinary scene, a beacon of fine dining and innovation that began with its visionary founder, industry titan Joyce Molyneux.
"Joyce's pioneering leadership placed The Angel on the national food map, inspiring a generation of chefs and restaurateurs.
"It has been a privilege for us to be the latest custodians of such a historic name, and we have both cherished the opportunity to oversee a restaurant with such a remarkable legacy."
An award winning restaurant in Cornwall also announced a shock closure, on May 20.
Proper Greek in Hayle had an impressive 4.8 score on Tripadvisor, but has closed its door for the final time, without providing a reason.
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