Latest news with #ChickNSours
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Beloved fried chicken shop closes all its UK locations
A fried chicken shop hailed for its tasty food and inviting cocktails has closed after more than a decade in business, leaving fans devastated. Korean fried chicken shop chain Chick 'N' Sours has announced the closure of its Haggerston and Seven Dials restaurants in London, having first opened to customers in 2015. Taking to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news that the 'best chicken shop in the world' was set to close its doors for good, the restaurant's co-founder, David Wolanski, said that the business had tried to hold on for 'as long as we could' but that it was 'no longer viable' to remain open. The post read: 'Hello, it's with mixed emotions I'm here to tell you that we have closed our Chick 'N Sours restaurants in Seven Dials and Haggerston. 'Sunday night was our last day of trading. 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 not 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.' Declaring that the 'casual dining restaurant model is broken', Mr Wolanski added: 'It's been an incredible journey from when Carl and I came up with the idea of opening the best chicken shop in the world 10 years ago on the back of my scooter. Taking to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news that the 'best chicken shop in the world' was set to close its doors for good, the restaurant's co-founder, David Wolanski, said that the business had tried to hold on for 'as long as we could' but that it was 'no longer viable' to remain open 'We scraped together what limited funds we had to open Haggerston and go on this wild roller coaster of a trip.' Opened in 2015 by Mr Wolanski and Carl Clarke and described as 'changing fried chicken for the good', the restaurant was adored by Londoners for its sweet and sour cocktails and high-quality chicken options. At the height of their success, the chain had four restaurants across the capital, with signature dishes including a Hot Chicken Bun, featuring chicken thighs and house pickles, alongside a Katsu Sandwich filled with curry sauce and Japanese pickle. Several disappointed fans took to Instagram to share their heartbreak at the shock closure, with one user remarking they were 'absolutely gutted', while another described it as a 'hard pill to swallow'. One commenter, who said that the beloved chicken shop was a 'special place' that they would miss dearly, said: 'Thank you for everything you've done. Your chicken shop touched my life (and soul) in so many different, unexpected ways. Not a single other place in London did this to me. Thank you'. Meanwhile, another user, who said they had been a 'loyal customer since day one', added that the business was 'the best there is, no question'. They added: 'If you guys can't make it work I worry so much for what that means for the industry. Thank you for all the amazing food and memories'. Opened in 2015 by Mr Wolanski and Carl Clarke and described as 'changing fried chicken for the good', the restaurant was adored by Londoners for its sweet and sour cocktails and high-quality chicken options While shutting their doors to customers in physical shopfronts, Chick 'N' Sours are still set to continue their residences at the Roof East and Corner Corner food halls. The popular chicken brand will also continue to serve customers on Deliveroo, while also making appearances at UK festivals and live music events. Making a desperate plea for customers to remember the importance of investing in independent restaurants, Mr Wolanski 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.' It comes as more than 13,000 shops closed their doors for good in 2024 - an increase of 28 per cent on the year before. And, at the start of the year, industry experts predicted that up to 17,350 shops could close over the course of 2025, Nevertheless, the demand for fried chicken in the UK continues, with MailOnline revealing last year how Britain's highstreets were becoming overrun with fried chicken joints. The demand for fried chicken has likely also grown with the influence of social media personalities and celebrity endorsements. Amelia Dimoldenburg's wildly successful Chicken Shop Date series, where she dines with celebrities at local fried chicken shops, is bound to have furthered demand for the already popular fast-food In south London, a single stretch of road has a staggering 29 fried chicken shops, making it the biggest street in the UK for the fast food item. With a staggering 12 fried chicken shops within a stretch of just under two miles, Streatham High Road is home to almost every famous chicken shop brand, from Morley's to Chicken Cottage. And if you were to continue straight down the connecting London Road through to West Croydon, you would be able to spot a further 17 shops selling the fried goods. In short, this means you will pass a shocking 29 fried chicken shops on the single stretch of road from Streatham Hill to West Croydon without turning left or right, according to the Local Data Company. That is without accounting for the dozens more chicken shops that lay just off the main road. Since its first store was founded in Sydenham by Sri Lankan Tamil immigrant Kannalingam Selvendran in 1985, the Morley's brand has grown to become one of the most well-known, with nearly 100 branches across London. The demand for fried chicken has likely also grown with the influence of social media personalities and celebrity endorsements. Sidemen, the YouTube group popular among teens, sent fans into a frenzy when they opened their own fried chicken chain Sides in 2021. Meanwhile, Amelia Dimoldenburg's wildly successful Chicken Shop Date series, where she dines with celebrities at local fried chicken shops, is bound to have furthered demand for the already popular fast-food.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
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". 2 Chick N Sours has been forced to close its final two London restaurants Credit: Chick n Sours 2 The restaurants owners said they hung on "as long as we could" Credit: Alamy 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. Read more money stories "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 at Most read in Money The duo's aim was to create a "fried 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. MasterChef winner to close his award-winning Michelin restaurant after just 3 years as he reveals 'it's time to move on' 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 its 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 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.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Beloved fast food chain shuts ALL its restaurants after a decade as owner says ‘we hung in there as long as we could'
Scroll down to find out why so many UK restaurants are closing WINGING IT Beloved fast food chain shuts ALL its restaurants after a decade as owner says 'we hung in there as long as we could' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Chick N Sours has been forced to close its final two London restaurants Credit: Chick n Sours 2 The restaurants owners said they hung on "as long as we could" Credit: Alamy 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. MasterChef winner to close his award-winning Michelin restaurant after just 3 years as he reveals 'it's time to move on' 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.
