Restaurant Boss ‘Devastated’ at Having to Close
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Jobe Ferguson, the owner of a beloved bar and restaurant in Manchester, expressed his heartbreak at the closure of TNQ Restaurant & Bar after 22 dedicated years.
A Lifetime Invested in TNQ
– Jobe described pouring his life and soul into TNQ, a place where he met his wife and the mother of his two children.
– He revealed that he borrowed up to £100,000 and ceased taking a salary to keep the restaurant afloat.
Crushing Financial Pressures
The 49-year-old owner cited several critical factors that made it unfeasible to continue:
– Rising Energy Bills: Monthly bills soared to £8,000.
– Soaring Food Costs: The prices of ingredients have significantly increased.
– National Insurance Contributions: Recent hikes made the operational model unsustainable.
It’s been pretty horrendous, Jobe admitted. Things have been difficult for a bit of time.
Resilience Through Adversity
Over its years of operation, TNQ has survived major economic challenges, including:
– Banking crises
– Double-dip recessions
– The impact of Covid-19
Jobe remarked, I certainly didn’t think it would end this way. He emphasized the need for policies that protect small independent businesses from being “absolutely decimated” by large corporations and government regulations.
Team Solidarity
The closing decision, announced on a recent Monday, stunned the staff, some of whom had dedicated up to 18 years to TNQ:
– Everyone was in shock, Jobe shared. Some were in tears, while others felt frustrated initially.
– Despite the disappointment, many team members expressed gratitude for Jobe’s support over the years.
Future Uncertainty
Ferguson’s decision to close TNQ came as the government planned to introduce a 15% discount on business rates for pubs and music venues across England starting in April. This package will provide an estimated support of £1,650 for the average pub by 2026-27.
Yet, Jobe remains concerned for the future as he noted that energy expenses at TNQ and his other venues have tripled since before the pandemic. He has observed fellow businesses coping by reducing operating hours, stating, The Northern Quarter is Manchester’s creative hub, yet it’s shut down on Monday evenings because you can’t afford to staff it or turn on the lights.
A Call for Broader Support
UK Hospitality has urged for the government to broaden their support package, warning that hotels, restaurants, and other businesses within the sector are equally at risk.
As Jobe Ferguson closes this chapter of his life, the community shares in his sense of loss. TNQ wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a heartbeat of the Northern Quarter, embodying the spirit and resilience of local hospitality.