Burnley restaurant Ellis's closes its doors after 12 years in the town
A Burnley restaurant, that was established in the town 12 years ago, has closed its doors.
Kyle Ellis, the founder of Ellis’s in St James Row, said that ‘increasing costs’ across all areas of the business, including ‘insane’ VAT bills, business rates, ridiculous energy bills, increased wages/national insurance contributions and ever increasing food/drink costs’ had ‘squeezed them dry.’
In a post on social media Kyle said these rising bills had made it ‘impossible to keep going’ adding: “This hasn’t been an easy decision at all. “Hospitality has unfortunately changed massively over the last few years and, like many independent businesses, it has become harder and harder to keep going. Rising costs and the overall climate have ultimately made things impossible for the restaurant to continue in its current form.”
Ellis’s started life as a milkshake bar in Standish Street before expanding to the former Wetherspoons pub in Manchester Road. It later moved into the current premises, formerly The Mix bar and Astoria restaurant in the town centre. Describing his 12 years of trading as ‘incredible’ Kyle added: “What started as a small idea as a tiny milkshake bar became something we could never have imagined.
“Over the years we’ve welcomed thousands of customers through our doors, created jobs for so many amazing people and built friendships that will stay with us forever. “
Kyle went on to thank customers and staff for their support over the years and said that any wages owed to workers would be honoured, adding: “This is currently being handled through the formal closure process and staff have been updated accordingly. The team have worked incredibly hard for us over the years and ensuring they receive what they are entitled to remains very important to me.”
Kyle also made an impassioned appeal for people to support independent businesses in the town.
He said: “ I’ve always been a passionate advocate for Burnley as a town and that will never change. However, Burnley needs your support now more than ever. It’s not seeing the footfall/custom that it once did and that is having a huge impact on many amazing local businesses.
“It’s too late for us, but please show your support for your favourites - it really is the difference between keeping or losing them. We’re heartbroken that this chapter is coming to an end, but incredibly proud of everything we built together.