Former Wales manager Ryan Giggs’ restaurant in Worsley, George’s Dining Room and Bar, has abruptly closed its doors, leaving both staff and patrons in shock. The establishment, a joint venture between Giggs and his childhood friends Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor, was a long-held dream for the trio. However, after more than a decade of operations, the restaurant shut down “immediately,” with a sign posted on the window citing “unforeseen circumstances.”
The sudden closure of George’s Dining Room and Bar was communicated to employees via text messages on Friday, just before the restaurant was plunged into darkness. Staff members were taken aback by the news, with one anonymous employee expressing their surprise at the abrupt nature of the closure. The message conveyed to the staff highlighted a decline in business and escalating operational costs in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis as the reasons behind the closure.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, staff were assured that they would receive their outstanding wages, notice payment, and any redundancy payments they were due. The closure of the restaurant has left the local community reeling, as George’s was not only a dining destination but also a symbol of the lifelong friendship and shared dreams of the three owners. Giggs, Gregory, and Taylor had envisioned transforming Worsley into a prominent “foodie destination” with the launch of the restaurant in 2014.
Following the closure of George’s, Ryan Giggs has continued to expand his ventures in the hospitality industry. Alongside his former teammate, Gary Neville, Giggs established the GG Hospitality Group, which oversees the operations of Hotel Football at Old Trafford and the Stock Exchange Hotel in the city centre. The closure of George’s marks the end of an era for the trio of friends turned business partners who had set out to make their mark on the local dining scene.
The impact of the closure on the local community and the restaurant industry at large remains to be seen. The sudden nature of George’s closure serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by businesses in the current economic climate. As businesses navigate through uncertain times, the closure of George’s Dining Room and Bar serves as a cautionary tale of the fragility of the hospitality sector and the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity.
Despite the closure of George’s, the legacy of the restaurant and the dream shared by Ryan Giggs, Kelvin Gregory, and Bernie Taylor will endure. Their vision and dedication to creating a unique dining experience in Worsley have left an indelible mark on the local community. As the hospitality industry evolves, the lessons learned from the closure of George’s will serve as a testament to the resilience and innovation required to succeed in a challenging market.