THE LAST branch of a celebrity chef restaurant chain is to close after 33 years in business – leaving fans heartbroken.
TV star Simon Rimmer’s last remaining Greens restaurant has announced its closure on September 17 – just months after the first closed its doors.
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Simon Rimmer and his business partner, actor Simon Connelly, started the beloved restaurant chain 33 years ago
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The Greens, in Stanley Square, Sale, Greater Manchester, is closed this week
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The TV chef has yet to comment on the closure
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The restaurant thanked all team members for their work
Greens was one of the first vegetarian restaurants in Manchester and the first fully vegetarian to feature in the Good Food Guide.
It had its original branch in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, which closed in January this year after being open for 33 years.
Simon blamed Covid for the increase in costs and the landlord who increased the rent by 35%.
And now a second branch of the restaurant in Sale, in Greater Manchester, has also closed after being open for two years.
The restaurant’s management took to Facebook to release a heartbreaking statement, writing: “We did everything we could to make this work, but now it’s clear the business is unsustainable.
“We would like to thank everyone, team members and guests, who were with us on the Greens’ journey.”
The restaurant will close “immediately,” they added.
Greens was a welcoming place for vegans and vegetarians, and the closure shocked fans.
The Facebook post has since garnered hundreds of likes and comments.
One person wrote: “So sad to read this, one of our Sale favourites.”
Another said: “No. End of an era. Loved both restaurants. So sad.”
A third commented: “Oh my god this is so sad, my absolute favorite restaurant of all time.”
And another wrote: “Oh no that’s so sad. We loved eating at Greens for 12 years. Definitely the end of an era.”
Simon Rimmer and his business partner, actor Simon Connelly, started the popular restaurant in 1990.
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But Greens Sale has revealed that the board of directors and shareholders have taken the decision to close its doors permanently.
Acclaimed TV chef Simon has yet to make a statement.
Just a week ago, customers were leaving glowing five-star Google reviews for the restaurant, with one saying: “Great food and great selection. I was really spoiled for choice.
“Friendly service and amazing atmosphere will definitely make us visit again,” they added.
Another person said: “Traveled from Yorkshire. Well worth the effort!
“Great restaurant in an interesting area. We chose small plates and every plate was delicious.
“The staff were friendly and explained the menu to us. We didn’t get to try the puddings, but like the trip, they were worth the effort! It’s all about the flavors!
“Great value too with 25% off Tuesday to Thursday in January. We’ll be back!”
The original Greens in Didsbury, Manchester, closed its doors for good in January after 33 years of trading.
At the time of closing, Simon posted an emotional message which read: “I can’t believe I’m actually sending this message.
“Much love, thank you for the last 33 years and we hope to see you in Sale. Much love.”
Unfortunately, Greens Sale closed just eight months later.
Unlike the Didsbury location, Greens Sale offered a large bar, outdoor seating and a roof terrace.
However, their menus were very similar.
When Greens Didsbury closed, Simon told fans there would be no future for the restaurant due to rising rents and energy bills.
In the video, he said: “This is a very sad day. After 33 years leading the Greens in Didsbury, we have unfortunately had to close our doors.
“Our landlords increased the rent in the region of 35%, the cost of raw materials, the cost of heating, light and electricity, staffing and general food costs meant that the business unfortunately became unsustainable so we closed our doors immediately,” the chef said at the time.
He also thanked the staff who worked there together with suppliers, customers, neighbors and friends, and noted that this was a “heartbreaking day”.
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