A vegan burger business has been forced to close its restaurant in Stokes Croft after more than two years. Om Burger has made the difficult decision to close its "beloved restaurant" - which is the company's only site - but has highlighted some positive change that is afoot.
Om Burger first opened in Stokes Croft by restaurateurs Nick Makin and Rory Perriment at the end of 2020 who took over a unit previously occupied by the former Touch of Class salon. The launch of the restaurant - a plant-based offshoot from the same team behind the highly-rated Burger Theory - was set back slightly due to Covid restrictions, having been in a year in the making.
Speaking on the reason for the closure, the owners have said "the costs of running a restaurant are just too high and only getting higher", with the last day of restaurant trade set for Sunday, April 9. Fortunately, the closure of the restaurant does not signify the end of Om Burger, as the business' statement on social media prefaced.
Read more: Diggity Doughnuts in Bristol city centre permanently closes
Om Burger said: "We have a very sad announcement. We are afraid to say that some major change is afoot. The costs of running a restaurant are just too high and only getting higher. Sadly the revenues we have seen at the restaurant just don’t cover its costs. Our beloved restaurant has to close.
"Om Burger has been a huge success in many ways, many have enjoyed our food and we love our cute Stokes Croft restaurant. There are some positives in this. Om has various outdoor events lined up this summer including Shambala, Barn on the Farm and Womad so hopefully we will see you at one of those.
"We also plan to continue to do deliveries but these will be available online only so please do come and find us on Uber Eats! The restaurant will be open until April 9th so please come and bid us farewell, we would love to see you one last time!"
Om Burger was born out of a desire to serve creative, ethical food that introduces more people to meat-free options. "The challenge of creating flavour, taste and texture with only vegetables is lots of fun! In an ever-changing world, it has become more and more important for us to do our bit," it says on its website.
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