A Portadown restaurant has “with heavy hearts” decided to close for the final time citing “ridiculous hike in stock and energy prices”.
The Flamin’ Grill, which opened at Mandeville Street to much fanfare in January 2019, had become a popular eatery in the town, but like many hospitality business, was severely impacted by Covid at the beginning of 2020.
Announcing the closure on social media, a spokesperson for the restaurant, said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Flamin’ Grill.
“We feel that due to the continued impact Covid-19 is having on custom, together with the recent ridiculous hike in stock and energy prices that it just isn’t possible to keep trading.
“We want to thank each and everyone of you who stepped through our doors and supported us from the very beginning and during the recent hard times.
“And not forgetting all our wonderful staff old and new who made Flamin’ Grill what it is, we couldn’t have done it without you.
“The past three years have been a pleasure.”
The news has come as a shock to many who patronised the restaurant, which only recently received its drinks licence and had undergone a revamp of its menu.
The restaurant had an incredible 4.9 star rating from over 200 reviews left by customers in its relatively short time in the town centre.
And despite that short time, the impact of its departure will be felt.
“Such a great restaurant – we enjoyed many a meal there,” wrote one woman. “Staff were always so welcoming and friendly. Such a loss for Portadown.
Another wrote: “We had many a great meal in here – was our favourite place.”
A former employee wrote: “So sad to hear this, I am so grateful to be have been able to work for Flamin’ Grill – the food was always top notch, the staff and management were fantastic and the craic was always there!”
One person commented:”I wish all the staff all the best for whatever comes next!! Enjoyed so many nice meals in here, It was the kind of restaurant Portadown was in need of.
“Going to really miss this fantastic restaurant always made to feel very welcome any time we visited here and food always perfect and reasonably priced.
“Completely shocked. What a place. Loved every meal in there and staff have been super! Sad to see you close…”
