Almost Famous closes all UK locations, ending 13-year run

UK – Almost Famous, a popular burger chain, has confirmed the closure of all its outlets, concluding its 13-year run in the UK dining scene.

Almost Famous, the Manchester-based burger chain, has confirmed the closure of its operations due to financial difficulties, including venues in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and Great Northern, as well as locations in Liverpool and Leeds.

The American-style burger brand, which first opened in Manchester’s Northern Quarter in 2012, cited the challenging economic climate as the main reason for the shutdown.

Co-founder Beau Myers shared that despite efforts to overcome lingering debt from the Covid pandemic and rising operational costs, the company could no longer continue.

The closure comes just months after the launch of the brand’s late-night burger outlet, Super Awesome Deluxe, in the Northern Quarter. However, the company reiterated the newly opened Super Awesome Deluxe will remain open.

Myers expressed deep regret, saying, “For over 13 years, we’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and passionate people in hospitality. We will do everything we can to support you during this transition.”

He also called on others in the industry to help find employment opportunities for the staff.

Over its 13-year run, Almost Famous claimed to have served over a million burgers.

The menu featured burgers priced between £8 (US$9.96) and £10.50 (US$13.08), with notable items including the Triple Nom, which combined cheese, pulled pork, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce, and the Down & Out, which featured American cheddar, onions, mustard, and the chain’s signature sauce.

The Good Morning America burger, a unique offering, included cheese, a sausage patty, bacon, maple Cheerios, a poached egg, mayonnaise, and ketchup.

The chain also served milkshakes priced at £4 (US$4.98), with flavors like strawberry pop tart and blueberry muffin.

The closure of Almost Famous adds to a growing list of recent restaurant losses in Leeds, including Owt, Kino, Fuji Hiro, Iberica, and Craig Rogan at The Collective.

Despite this, the team’s late-night burger venue, Super Awesome Deluxe, and the underground bar Ego Death, located in the former Lono Cove site, will remain operational.

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