The Manchester branch of Karen’s Diner has closed with immediate effect. A Prestwich restaurant closed its doors for the last time today (Tuesday).
A spokeswoman for the restaurant confirmed the restaurant’s closure MEN and said the chain, which started in Australia with a dining concept of staff who are deliberately rude, would turn its attention to “pop-up” events rather than restaurants.
The closure comes just months after the restaurant, which was set to open in Prestwich in 2022, was listed on Rightmove for a lease, raising questions about its future.
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In March, the restaurant’s owner insisted the company had “no intention” of closing its Bury New Road branch and a spokesman for Karen’s Diner said as much. MEN his lease was renewed.
He said: “We are grateful for the opportunity to state that we have no intention of closing our Prestwich Manchester restaurant. Our original lease expired at the end of last year and was quickly renewed to ensure continuity.”
However, it was confirmed today that the branch has closed with the UK operation to focus on ‘pop-up’ events instead.
A spokesperson said: “Currently the original licensing agreement has ended and our head office wants the UK operation to focus on ‘pop-up’ events rather than restaurants. In the current climate, we can begrudgingly understand their decision.
“When the business opened in Prestwich, critics said it was ‘too far’ and we want to thank the more than 100,000 customers who proved them wrong.
“The group is undergoing a revamp which will see the brand appear in its pop-up form across Britain.
“Our admin team will ensure that customers with bookings are informed of the next steps.”
Last year, some of the original Karen Diner restaurants in Australia went into liquidation. Branches in Surfers Paradise, Perth and Melbourne were abruptly closed in summer 2023, although restaurants in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney remained open.
A spokesperson for the brand said so MEN while UK branches are secure. The statement went on to say that the UK restaurants, including the Prestwich branch, will continue to operate independently, with plans for new branches in Europe as well.
The Prestwich branch has courted controversy since it opened two years ago. In March, police were called to the restaurant to “monitor” protesters who gathered outside ahead of a performance by controversial former Apprentice contestant turned far-right commentator Katie Hopkins.
Protesters held placards reading “Put out Islamophobia”, while other posters read “Stop the far right”.
Another poster held by a protester read “anti-fascist mums gang”. Protesters chanted “down with Karen in Prestwich” and “2, 4, 6, 8, no racism, no Kate”.
In response, a spokesperson for Karen’s Diner said: “We recognize that Katie Hopkins is an acquired taste that not everyone has adopted.
“Instead of protesting and wasting the cops’ valuable time, our phone call would have informed them that Katie was about to have a roast that only the roughest diner in the world could dish out, no pun intended at the restaurant.
“To be honest, for once she got a taste of more than just her own medicine. This was probably a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ experience, more for her than for us!”