Pre-pack deal saves ‘Instagram heaven’ restaurant and bar and all 32 jobs

All 32 jobs at a Chester bar and restaurant have been saved following a pre-pack deal with its joint administrators.

Boujee Bar and Restaurant, which has been described as ‘Instagram heaven’, has been acquired by one of its founding directors, Minesh Parekh, who created a new company, Manchester-based Zobra Conference and Events Ltd, on May 19, 2020.

The rescue follows the appointment today (October 14) of Lisa Moxon and Ben Barrett, of Dow Schofield Watts Business Recovery, as joint administrators.

The restaurant, in Pepper Street, was one of three operating under the distinctive Boujee brand.

The first opened in the Liverpool One retail centre in December 2020, just before the second lockdown.

Despite the pandemic restrictions, it proved popular with a younger audience and a second venue opened in Manchester in May 2021, together with a pop-up venue at the Trafford Centre. This was followed by the launch of the Chester venue in November 2021.

However, after facing financial difficulties, the directors took the decision to close the Liverpool venue in July 2022, while the Manchester venue was temporarily closed on September 23.

Lisa Moxon said: “The hospitality sector has faced tough times during and since the pandemic which have taken their toll on the Boujee business.

“The company’s initial trading was positive, despite the COVID restrictions at the time, although during the lockdowns it made a loss and as a new business, was unable to access the majority of COVID support packages available.

“In late 2021, the Liverpool venue was failing to achieve its expected turnover which resulted in significant cash flow difficulties. These were compounded by increases in food and drink costs which could not be passed on to customers. Despite the closure of the Liverpool restaurant and efforts of the directors, the company’s financial position has continued to deteriorate with turnover continuing to fall.”

She added: “Having explored all the options, we believe the pre-pack sale is the best available outcome for creditors and employees.

“It will enable Boujee to continue to trade and build its profile in Chester whilst saving the jobs of the 32 staff. We wish them all the best for the future.”