Burger chain closes its doors, blaming economic climate and pandemic hangover

Burger chain, Almost Famous, has closed its doors and shut its outlets in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, blaming the current economic climate and ‘lingering debt’ from the pandemic.

The business began in Manchester’s Northern Quarter in 2012, pioneering the ‘Dirty Burger’ trend.

It confirmed its site in Manchester’s Great Northern will also close. The business has been running regular price deals since last year due to the business climate.

Today, founder Beau Myers, posted on the company website: “It is with broken hearts and tearful eyes that we must announce the closure of Almost Famous.”

He said: “The current economic climate has proven too challenging for us to overcome. The lingering debt from Covid, rising costs across every aspect of the business, and a tightening in people’s ability to spend on dining out have created an impossible situation.

“Despite our best efforts, we are no longer able to continue. Ironically, while our venues remain busy and our reviews are glowing, the financial pressures stacked against us have made it impossible to sustain the business – making this scenario even more heartbreaking.”

He went on: “For over 13 incredible years, Almost Famous has been at the forefront of the burger and casual dining scene.

“We’ve served over a million burgers, hosted countless amazing guests, and had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented and passionate people in hospitality.

“It has been an unforgettable journey, and we hope we’ve been able to create lasting memories, happy moments, and plenty of smiles along the way.

“Our team has been like family to us, and this is the hardest part of all.

“To our amazing staff, we are deeply sorry that we couldn’t weather the storm for you. Please know we will do everything we can to support you during this transition.”

He urged anyone in the hospitality industry with job opportunities to help the team find new roles.

He added: “To everyone who’s been part of our story – thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The memories we’ve made together will stay with us forever.

“This isn’t how we wanted the story to end, but we are proud of everything we accomplished and the joy we brought to so many.

“And while we must say goodbye for now, we hold onto the hope that Almost Famous may return one day in some form.”