A vegan burger restaurant in Cardiff has announced its sudden closure, saying that it has been "hit hard" by the effects of the pandemic, Brexit, and the current cost of living crisis. Got No Beef, which was based on Barrack Lane in the city centre, posted on its social media channels to announce that the restaurant had closed on September 11.
"Like so many other wonderful businesses, we have been hit hard by the ongoing pandemic and engulfed by the devastating effects of the current economic/energy crises and Brexit. As a consequence of this, we closed our doors for the very last time on Sunday 11th September," a message posted on Got No Beef's social media channels and website read.
"We fear that, without substantial government intervention, many more independent businesses will go to the wall. They must be supported immediately", the post continued. The burger joint started life as a street food stall six years ago before being transformed into a restaurant in 2019.
READ MORE: Cardiff restaurant to close after being hit by cost of living crisis and staffing issues
The restaurant was in TripAdvisor's list of top ten restaurants in Cardiff. The post said that the team behind the restaurant would be "tak[ing] a break" following the closure and thanked family, friends, staff, supporters, regulars, and event organisers for their input over the years.
The closure has come just days after another vegan burger restaurant and takeaway in Cardiff announced that it would also be shutting up shop. After four years of trade, the Lazy Leek in Pontcanna announced last week that it would be closing, with owners Samuel Speller and Jessica Newton listing the cost of living crisis and staffing issues among the reasons for the closure.
"It's been a ride, one of ups and downs, regular 100+ hour work weeks, copious amounts of coffee, much laughter, some tears and loaded fries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It energised us and wore us out in equal measure. It gifted us the best of times and, occasionally, the worst of times. However, being able to work as a family unit, day-to-day, is something we'll treasure for the rest of our lives," Got No Beef's post continued.
"The stream of rave reviews, cut booking comments, satisfied faces, and empty plates filled us with considerable joy. But nothing filled us with joy quite like some of the more profound messages/conversations we have had over the past few years, from the many who told us the integral role that GNB played in their transition to veganism, to the parents informing us that GNB was a safe space in which their child who was a member of the LGBT community felt free to be their quintessential self. To know that we helped make a difference, no matter how big or small, were just incredibly special moments for us as a family."
Customers of the popular restaurant expressed their disappointment in response to the announcement. One Facebook user wrote: "So gutted to read this. We’ve lost two excellent vegan restaurants within the last couple of weeks. It’s been so tough on small independent businesses but I do hope we will see you again. Enjoy your well earned rest!"
Another customer wrote: "So sorry to hear this GNB. My wife and I always made a bee line to you on any trip to Cardiff. We never had anything other than a brilliant time. Rest up and we can't wait to see what you do next."
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