A barbecue chain of international fame has suddenly decided to close its three outlets in the English capital, London, causing a massive uproar among its aficionados.
Bodean's BBQ claimed to have brought the "authentic barbecue" to London “for the first time” in 2002. Over the years, it attained cult status with its own set of niche fans. Many who visited London from abroad, especially the US, visited the restaurants due to its cult popularity. The sudden closure of the three outlets - in Soho, Tower Hill and Camden- has sparked concern among London lovers globally.
Will the restaurant reopen its door? That's the question Bodean's BBQ aficionados seem to be asking amid the sudden closure. Here's what we know so far.
Has Bodean's BBQ Closed Permanently?
Bodean's BBQ shuttered the outlets in Soho, Tower Hill and Camden suddenly. A message was put up on the website of Bodean's BBQ stating that they are "currently closed."
{{/usCountry}}Bodean's BBQ shuttered the outlets in Soho, Tower Hill and Camden suddenly. A message was put up on the website of Bodean's BBQ stating that they are "currently closed."
{{/usCountry}}"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank you for your continued support and loyalty," the statement read.
The restaurant chain, founded by Canadian businessman Andre Blais in 2002, did not state why it decided to shutter all of a sudden. However, the statement left the possibility of a future reopening open, stating that they hope to welcome [guests] again in the future.” But no timeline of potential reopening was not specified.
Restaurant, a UK-based hospitality media outlet, reported that the Instagram handles of Bodean's BBQ have been disabled. Despite media requests for comments, Bodean's BBQ has not responded or provided details on the sudden closure.
The Sun implied in its report that the closure could be linked to financial troubles and equated the closure to the recent closures of another popular steakhouse chain, Bar + Block, which owned 21 locations across the UK. The report states Bodeab's BBQ could be struggling along similar lines as other major dining chains, i.e. "higher employment costs, surging business rates, inflation and lower customer spending."
Why The Closure Has Come As A Surprise
Besides being sudden, the closure of Bodean's BBQ has been all the more surprising because of the recent overhaul in both the leadership and the menu that the chain carried out.
Richard Turner joined as chef director last year followed by the launch of a new menu across the three chains. At the time, Bodean's had said that they were moving closer to their core dining idea of “barbecue, bourbon and beer”.