The Chester branch of Boujee, the bar chain which was co-owned by Real Housewives of Cheshire star Lystra Adams, has been saved. It means that all 32 people on the bar’s staff will keep their jobs, after it was bought out of administration.
According to Cheshire Live, one of the company’s founding partners, Minesh Parekh, has acquired the Chester bar. The company has had to shutter branches in Liverpool and Manchester - its bright pink bar and restaurant on Bridge Street - in recent months after running into financial problems.
The Manchester bar has been closed since the beginning of the month, although the closure is claimed to only be ‘temporary’. The Liverpool branch, at the Liverpool One centre, closed in July. The future of the Manchester branch currently remains uncertain.
Read more: New high-end 'Greek fusion' restaurant heading for Manchester from the people behind Tattu
Lisa Moxon, of administrators Dow Schofield Watts Business Recovery, said: "The hospitality sector has faced tough times during and since the pandemic which have taken their toll on the Boujee business.
“The company’s initial trading was positive despite the Covid restrictions at the time, although during the lockdowns it made a loss and as a new business, was unable to access the majority of Covid support packages available.
“In late 2021, the Liverpool venue was failing to achieve its expected turnover which resulted in significant cash-flow difficulties. These were compounded by increases in food and drink costs which could not be passed on to customers.
"Despite the closure of the Liverpool restaurant and efforts of the directors, the company’s financial position has continued to deteriorate with turnover continuing to fall. Having explored all the options, we believe the pre-pack sale is the best available outcome for creditors and employees.
“It will enable Boujee to continue to trade and build its profile in Chester whilst saving the jobs of the 32 staff. We wish them all the best for the future.”
In a post to Instagram last month, Lystra Adams, who only launched the Manchester branch in April 2021, said that she had ‘walked away’ from the business, and also said she had been the victim of abuse.
“As of yesterday 23/09/2022, I walked away from what I've know and loved for past near two years,” she said. “As many of you may know I have given considerable time and dedication in building the brand and platform for myself.
"Over the past eight months things had taken a bumpy turn. I had confidence in that the board of directors would turn it around. Unfortunately mistakes were made along the way [...] and it made the comeback near impossible.
She went on: "As a 20-per-cent shareholder and the face of the business I want you to know that I did what I could with what I had. [...] I've made my voice heard more than before as I dreaded this day would come. I've taken abuse in all forms for being the face of the companies involved as well as my daughter and enough is enough.
"Sorry it's taken so long to speak out and I want to thank each and everyone that has visited or worked for Boujee and carnival from opening until now. All my love, Lystra."
The Manchester bar has frequently hit headlines. It was the scene of a violent brawl just a month after opening, and received a one-star hygiene rating after an inspection, though the rating was later increased back to five.
Staff also walked out over the summer, claiming that they had not been paid and were being overworked.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
