Latest news with #cafeClosure
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Beloved cafe serving loyal customers classic English breakfasts for nine years is forced to close due to cost of living
A BELOVED cafe that served customers classic English breakfasts for nine years has been forced to close due to the cost of living. The owner said it is "impossible to carry on" in the current climate. 2 Traditional cafe Deb's Diner in Birmingham posted the sad update on Facebook. "It is with great sadness that Deb's Diner has closed it doors for the very last time. "Due to ill health and the current cost of living crisis, it has become impossible to carry on so we have decided not to renew our lease. "We would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support over the last nine years, it's been a wonderful journey." Customers commented to express their sadness and to send best wishes. It comes after the Chancellor's hike to national insurance contributions and minimum wage for firms kicked in at the start of April. The NI rise has hit investment, recruitment and prices. Businesses were dealt the £25 billion 'Jobs tax' raid at the Budget with the increased contributions as confidence among entrepreneurs taking a hit. From April 6, businesses have to pay a higher rate of employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) of 15% from 13.8%. The threshold at which they are paid is also being lowered from £9,100 to £5,000. The Government confirmed it was making the changes in its Autumn Budget last October in a bid to increase revenue. It also said the move meant it wasn't increasing taxes for working people. However, it will have an impact on shoppers and everyday consumers as businesses look to pass on the additional costs. Figures show that almost a third of businesses affected by the hike are planning to cut jobs or freeze hiring. It comes on the back of 160,000 part-time retail jobs are on the cusp of going in the next two years due to a rise in Labour costs.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Award-winning cafe suddenly SHUTS after 14 years as owner goes on rant blaming nearby office for closure
A CAFE has closed after 14 years in business with the boss blaming a nearby office for the closure. My Burrito in Bristol, which has operated since 2011, closed down recently with the blame placed on a nearby office run by Hargreaves Lansdown. 4 4 The financial services company was blamed for the declining footfall in My Burrito. A note pinned to the door of the café details the owners grievance with the office, even showing emails between the café boss and an employee of Hargreaves Lansdown. My Burrito owner Esmerelda Martin-Rivera explains in the note that an increase in office workers working from home has impacted the cafes lunchtime trade. Not only that but she blames Hargreaves Lansdown, and their offices a mere hundred yards from My Burrito, for worsening the situation with their subsidised in-office sandwiches. She explains in the note "in 2024, Hargreaves Lansdown introduced Sandwich! Sandwich! As a concession in their premises and subsidised their offering to the tune of 35%." Martin-Rivera reached out to Hargreaves Lansdown about the issue and asked if My Burrito could offer the same 35% discount in a bid to win back customers. The Hargreaves Lansdown employee replied saying that he was 'very sorry to say we are not looking for another partner at this time' adding that he does 'appreciate the difficulties you must be under to maintain your business." My Burrito has said it would hold no grudges against Sandwich! Sandwich! Hargreaves Lansdown staff also reportedly enjoy subsidised drinks from Can't Dance Coffee in their offices. The note left by Martin-Rivera adds: 'Hargreaves Lansdown should be ashamed having watched Rod & Ruby close when they introduced a coffee concession to their offices and have absolutely contributed to our closure.' Martin-Rivera's note also explains that the decline in office workers working in-office since Covid has had a dramatic impact on My Burrito's business. She explains that Covid hit the café hard with the nearby offices closing down for lockdowns. 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 Staff never returned to offices full time according to Martin-Rivera who says only briefly in 2023 did things begin to return to normal for My Burrito. She says in her note that "rampant inflation" and a "large increase in minimum wage" meant My Burrito had to increase prices to "keep their head above water." She adds that post Covid, with work from home more widely spread, "we are living in a different world." Offering a tongue in cheek special thanks to Hargreaves Lansdown Martin-Rivera's note places special blame at the feet of the financial services business. Her note reads that the large company had "absolutely contributed" to My Burrito's closure. The furious burrito boss has now closed My Burrito for good asking customers to "watch this space" for the business that takes over the premises and wishes them well. My Burrito sauces and marinades can still be purchased online with the wider business seemingly surviving the Hargreaves Lansdown fallout. Hargreaves Lansdown told The Sun: 'We're sorry to see a local business and one of our neighbours close. "We're proud of our existing partnerships with small local businesses that provide food and drink options for colleagues working at our Harbourside office.' 4
