Almost Famous reopens two restaurants after closing all branches just last month

A popular burger chain that announced the closure of all of its UK restaurants only last month, has reopened two branches.

Almost Famous, which had branches in Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool, revealed the "heartbreaking" news that it was shutting all sites after building up debts during the coronavirus pandemic, rising costs, and fewer people being able to afford to dine out.

Co-founder Beau Myers said the decision came with "tearful eyes" - but warned financial pressures were "stacked against" the business. Following this, the BBC reported how around 100 employees started a union-backed campaign to demand compensation.

The group claimed they are owed more than £200,000, and some said they only found out about the closures on social media. The directors of Almost Famous denied these allegations, and said: "The claims being made by the union are factually incorrect and unfounded."

In the latest update this week, it has now been confirmed that the Almost Famous branches in the Manchester Northern Quarter and Liverpool have been acquired by Liverpool-based firm D2. The company said it was "aware" of issues with staff and would offer them "first refusal on all job roles".

D2 managing director Daniel Kelly said: “We’re buzzing to get Almost Famous back - hire as many of the old team as we can, get the grills on and the burgers flying out. I’ve been part of this brand and I know what it takes to maintain its bigger, better, and make-it-outrageous approach. We’re here to bring back the legendary AF experience - killer service, next-level food, and all the chaotic, messy, unforgettable vibes that made Almost Famous, well… Famous.”

Almost Famous first opened in Manchester in 2012 and received five-star reviews for its burgers, which cost from around £8 to £10.50. These included its "Triple Nom" burger, which features melted cheese, pulled port, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce, and its Down & Out burger, which consists of American cheddar cheese.

In his statement released by co-founder Beau Myers last month, announcing the closures, he said: "It is with broken hearts and tearful eyes that we must announce the closure of Almost Famous. The current economic climate has proven too challenging for us to overcome.

"The lingering debt from Covid, rising costs across every aspect of the business, and a tightening in people’s ability to spend on dining out have created an impossible situation. Despite our best efforts, we are no longer able to continue. Ironically, while our venues remain busy and our reviews are glowing, the financial pressures stacked against us have made it impossible to sustain the business - making this scenario even more heart-breaking."

He added: “It has been an unforgettable journey, and we hope we’ve been able to create lasting memories, happy moments, and plenty of smiles along the way. All we ever wanted was to make incredible burgers and provide good times. That mission drove us every single day.”