A popular restaurant and cocktail bar which started life in Manchester has announced plans to close due to financial struggles.
Bosses at Yakumama, in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, cited the current economic climate as one of the reasons why they have decided to shut their doors.
The vegetarian cantina and bar, known for its small plates and brunch menus, started life as a street food venture in 2014, and regularly featured as a pop-up vendor at various food ventures across Manchester, such as GRUB.
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In 2018, GRUB Manchester described Yakumama as ‘totally top tier street food’, citing its ‘amazing Latin American food’.
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, owners Hannah Lovett and Marcy Sandoval opened their Todmorden restaurant in the former Co-op building on Rochdale Road in 2019.
However, three years on, the owners have said they will close the restaurant in the next couple of weeks, according to Yorkshire Live.
In a post on their Facebook page, they state: “With very heavy hearts, and weary heads, we are so sorry to say that Yakumama at The Old Co-op will be closing as of the end of January.
“It’s been a long old road to get us to this point but it’s for the best. It’s been a struggle financially and emotionally for some time now, due to all the reasons that everyone knows about. We’ve really dug our heels in, and worked hard to get over the hurdles we’ve faced, but this can only take us so far.
“The emotional and financial input required to get it where it needs to be, just isn’t in us right now, and we need to prioritise our health and a more balanced life. Sometimes, I think you have to leave something where it is, accept that it happened and was really good for a time, but that it’s better if it doesn’t continue, and that’s been an extremely hard thing to come to terms with.
“The atmosphere in that place can be so good it gives me goosebumps, and that could not be achieved without our ridiculously wonderful team, all of whom we love immensely, and are family now.
“And of course you lot, mostly familiar faces that we see on some occasions every weekend. The support and joy that has brought is immeasurable. We have felt welcomed since the very first day. Tod is an extremely Special place, Thank you.
"We are open for four more weeks, so please come get involved and see us off with a bang.”
Regular customers have expressed their sadness while wishing the Yakumama team well for the future.
Antonia Fick wrote: “Some of the best food I have eaten. You guys are amazing and I am so sorry to read this. Wishing you well with any new venture you pursue.”
Sue Kershaw added: “From one Todmorden business to another, we are so sad to hear this. We wish you well in whatever you do next.”
Richard Walker said: “You brought much enjoyment and light - this is such a loss. I wish you all the best for the future.”
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