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Shoreditch restaurant Red’s True Barbecue has closed. In a message posted on the UK-wide chain restaurant’s website, the operators said that although the branch remained profitable, market forces have prevented the planned growth in the south of England that had once been envisioned. The restaurant opened in July 2015.
MCA reports that the site has been acquired by the Paris-based Italian restaurant group Big Mamma, which was founded in 2013 by Victor Lugger and Trigane Seydoux, and which currently operates six trattoria-style restaurants and bars in the French capital.
In a statement, Red’s said:
We’re sad to announce the doors of this branch of true BBQ are now closed for the final time.
Our initial strategy was to always grow out a London presence with Shoredtich as an operational hub. Whilst importantly this restaurant remains profitable, current market forces have made it challenging to support growth of the hub and spoke model in the South [of England], and it is for this reason we have decided to sadly say goodbye to Red’s Shoreditch.
The group explained that following the closure in Shoreditch, it would remain focused on efforts outside of the south of England.
Our heartland, operational and brand strength remains solid in the midlands, north, north east and north west and so we will continue to consolidate our efforts in the regions.
Unfortunately any bookings from this date onwards are now cancelled. If you have any queries please email shoreditch@truebarbecue.com.
Thank you for the memories, and may meat be with you, always.
Team Red’s
Seven of Red’s other branches in the midlands and north of England remain unaffected. It is the fourth restaurant in Hoxton reported to have closed since beginning of the year. Soho restaurant 10 Greek Street’s sister site 8 Hoxton Square confirmed its closure on 10 January; Beagle ceased trading at the start of the year, and Caprice Holdings’ Rivington Grill made way for British chop house, Blacklock, which is expected to open later this year.