14th October 2022
Pre-Pack Saves 32 Jobs at High-Profile Chester Bar & Restaurant
A Chester bar and restaurant described as ‘Instagram heaven’ has been sold in a pre-pack deal that will save the jobs of all 32 staff.
The Chester Boujee Bar and Restaurant has been acquired by one of the founding directors. It follows the appointment today of Lisa Moxon and Ben Barrett of Dow Schofield Watts Business Recovery as Joint Administrators.
The restaurant in Pepper Street was one of three operating under the distinctive Boujee brand. The first opened in Liverpool in December 2020, just before the second lockdown. Despite the pandemic restrictions, it proved popular with a younger audience and a second venue opened in Manchester in May 2021, together with a pop-up venue at the Trafford Centre. This was followed by the launch of the Chester venue in November 2021.
However after facing financial difficulties, the directors took the decision to close the Liverpool venue in July 2022 while the Manchester venue was temporarily closed on 23 September 2022.
Lisa Moxon of 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.”