‘Crazy’ energy price hikes force The Bok Shop to close its restaurants in Southampton and Eastbourne | Catch My Job

In an Instagram post​, the group, which also operates restaurants in Brighton and Hastings, said it had become increasingly difficult to keep the two sites – each with between 90 and 100 covers – open amid rising costs.

“We have taken the incredibly difficult decision to close our restaurants in Southampton and Eastbourne permanently,” the group said.

“It has become more and more difficult to keep these large units running after such a crazy increase in energy prices. As an independent business started by two friends, we only ever want to be transparent with you.”

Inspired by London’s chicken shop culture, The Bok Shop was founded by Jamie O’Mara and Howard Kaye and opened its first site on Brighton’s East Street in 2017.

It went on to launch its second bricks-and-mortar site in Eastbourne in 2018, with locations in Southampton and Hastings following after that. last year.

“Over the past few years we have really refined what The Bok Shop is, what it means to us and most importantly what it means to our customers,” the statement continued.

“We started this journey with the intention of combining opening some bad-ass chicken shops with our love of sneakers, games and music. What we’ve built is that but most importantly, a team of amazing people who have shown nothing but resilience and support.truly the most humbling part of our journey so far.

“Although it feels like a couple of steps back, it’s all in the name of progress and we’re grateful to have two more great shops in Brighton and Hastings that will continue to serve up all the fried goodness you could want want it.”