A steakhouse that took 800 bookings before it had even opened has become the latest restaurant to close in a "cursed" retail unit.
Flank steakhouse and cocktail bar opened in New Brighton last December and owners were initially overwhelmed with the response, taking hundreds of bookings ahead of the initial opening. However, less than a year on, the restaurant has been forced to close its doors.
The ECHO understands that rising costs made it "unsustainable" for Flank to stay open and the owners were "heartbroken" to have to let staff go. Flank is one of a number of Merseyside restaurants that have shut this year, with the Michelin-starred Fraiche one of the other venues to close last month.
READ MORE: Nan found mauled to death by dogs when she 'didn't pick grandson up from school'
The Oxton-based restaurant shut up shop in September after nearly 20 years in business, with Chef Marc Wilkinson saying he needed "some much needed time and space to explore other projects, ideas and interests". Other popular venues, such as the Baltic Social in Liverpool and Frost Burgers on Wood Street, have been left with no choice but to close due to soaring bills and the rising cost of living.
However, a number of people have taken to social media to question why the Marine Point restaurant unit, where Flank was based, seems to change hands so frequently. The site was home to an American-style burger chain before a Bella Italia branch opened there in 2016, but the Italian failed to reopen after the pandemic.
Posting on Facebook, Calum Jones said: "Nothing ever works out where Flank is. Always something happens and no company takes it into account." Dawn Finnigan commented: "I’m sure the place is far too big. It’s cursed I’m sure," while Paul Cartledge agreed: "Whatever it becomes it will not last as that particular unit is jinxed."
A number of people have suggested that high rents could be pricing business owners out of staying at the site. Mike Bennett said: "It's about getting the right business in for what people want, the cost of the rent doesn’t help." Jen FoBeanz said: "Could it not be linked to government cuts and then hikes in running costs? I feel for our small businesses this year."
Some people feel like the size of the unit might be a problem, with a number of people reccomending the large space be split into two smaller units. Sybil Bergman said: "Every restaurant that’s been there has had no luck with it. Maybe a smaller place would be better." Pete Stephens added: "Perhaps it would be more competitive if it were split into two separate outlets."
Locals have also started debating which restaurant should take over the unit. Chrissy Sarah said: "Nando's", while Lisa Louise Wilson Dooley said she would like to see a "good Chinese buffet or a Hickory’s".
Julie Jackson said: "A high tea, fresh food, salads, healthy eating place would be nice. Home made style food. Something that you can feed the whole family and theres plenty of choices." Dani Thompson said she thinks the space should be taken over by an "American style diner that does milkshakes and burgers with retro juke boxes or an all you can eat buffet restaurant."
READ NEXT:
Dad arrested 'for murder' after bid to save tragic Adelphi woman 'would do it again'
DWP announces changes to PIP decision making process for claimants
Dealer selling from mobility scooter told police 'I'm not pulling over lad'
Tesco, Asda and Aldi forced to bring in huge ban for shoppers
Thug told mum of his kid 'you're both getting it' after vile attack
