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AlamyMany food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out[/caption]
Hugely Popular City-centre Restaurant Suddenly Closes Down After 14 Years As Owners Blame Crippling Budget Tax Hikes
A BELOVED restaurant in Birmingham’s city centre will close its doors for good this week, after serving the community for over 14 years.
Bodega Cantina, located on Bennetts Hill, announced the closure, blaming the financial strain caused by rising costs and tax hikes.
GoogleThe final service at the Bennetts Hill location will take place on Saturday, March 15[/caption] GettyBodega Cantina has struggled to cope with the pressures of the current economic climate[/caption]In a heartfelt message on social media, the owners revealed the tough challenges behind their decision to close.
“It is with sadness that we announce the closure of Bodega Cantina on March 15.
“Like many others in hospitality, we’ve been significantly affected, first by Brexit taking away much of the staffing resources that our industry relies upon, and then the various dramas brought about by Covid.
“More recent factors such as the large increase in utility bills, ‘cost of living crisis’, double-digit inflation and upcoming increases in minimum wage and NI costs have now made the venue financially unsustainable.
“It’s been a great journey, these last 14 years, and we hope we’ve provided a great South American-inspired experience to our customers along the way.
“We also hope that we might see some of you again in our last week of trading.”
The latest increase in utility bills and the upcoming rise in national insurance and minimum wage costs made the venue financially unsustainable.
Despite its long-standing popularity, Bodega Cantina has struggled to cope with the pressures of the current economic climate.
The restaurant, known for its vibrant South American-inspired dishes such as tacos, burritos, and Brazilian fish stew, had already closed its Sutton Coldfield location after just two years.
Fans flooded social media with messages of sadness, expressing their deep appreciation for the restaurant’s impact on their lives.
One user wrote: “Absolutely gutted.”
Another shared a sentimental message: “Big love guys, you were a big part of my transformative years growing up in Brum x.”
A third added: “So sad, end of an era.”
The final service at the Bennetts Hill location will take place on Saturday, March 15, marking the end of an era for the much loved restaurant.
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.
