A TOP chef who appeared on BBC has been forced to shut his beloved pizza restaurant after admitting financial struggles.
The Manchester-based restaurateur said it was “impossible for us to make money anymore” with COVID-19 restrictions.
Michael Clay talked to the BBC about how his industry has been affected by the pandemic[/caption]
Independent pizzeria Dokes, Prestwich, announced it will be closing[/caption]
The closure was revealed in an emotional post on Instagram today[/caption]
Dokes pizzeria in Prestwich is sadly shutting up shop after three years of serving Italian classics as well as a highly-rated roast dinner.
Chef and owner Michael Clay shared his disappointment on BBC Radio 5 Live where he revealed the venue, which opened in 2022, faced over 100,000 cancelations due to the pandemic.
Michael owns the Enecot in Ancoats, which also runs Dokes, had urged customers to warn them in advance to combat no-shows and offered outdoor seating to those who wanted it.
He said the knock-on impact of these cancellations was “massive,” and affected everything from the staff rota to food waste.
Dokes was regarded as one of the top independents in the area and it’s loyal customer base was gutted to see it go.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dokes announced the closure to Prestwich residents.
The post read: “After nearly 3 years of trying our hardest, unfortunately we’re going to have to call it a day.
“Having originally taken on the premises in between the two lockdowns (remember them?!), we’ve been extremely proud of what we have achieved under sometimes unbelievably difficult circumstances.
“Our staff have been the cornerstone of this and we would like to thank them for all of their hard work.
“The feedback we have received over the past couple of years on their food, service and hospitality has been absolutely incredible and we are extremely grateful for the hard work they have put in and the commitment they have shown.”
Dokes opened up as a small pizza restaurant but then soared in popularity after it revealed a popular roast dinner dish on the menu.
The post continued: “We feel like we have created a product that you have absolutely loved and a space that you have enjoyed coming to and we now really feel like a part of the Prestwich community – and for that we can’t thank you enough!
“You came for the pizzas and stayed for the roasts and it’s been a lot of fun.”
“Try as we might though, it’s just not been possible for us to make the money required for the size of team needed to run as a pizza restaurant.
The venue claimed that it was simply not able to operate at the same that it could of before the pandemic.
Despite leaving customers devastated, Dokes said they have new plans in the works.
“We are a small restaurant and the margins that were there pre-Covid are not achievable anymore at this scale and only getting tighter month on month,” Dokes revealed.
“So it is with a heavy heart that we are closing the door on this chapter BUT…we aren’t going to be leaving you completely.
“We have plans for the place which we will be updating you about very soon so please watch this space for more details. We hope you’re going to love it.
“As Dokes, Sunday 9th March will be our final service so please come down over the next couple of weeks, grab a pizza or a roast and say hello. It would be lovely to see you all.
“Bookings are open and the cellar is stocked so lets fill the little place up and go out with a bang!”
Pizza-fans and Prestwich foodies responded to the post saying they were “absolutely gutted! and were “so sorry to hear this.”
The pandemic isn’t the only factor that has been affecting the hospitality industry of late.
The cost of living crisis, an increase in bills, and a rise in rent, has led to fewer Brits splashing the cash.
Without as much disposable income, fewer customers pour money into hospitality making it difficult to sustain.
It was revealed that six pubs were shut every week last year as they were hit by rising business costs.
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.
