Burger chain becomes the first to bow out of the new look Corn Exchange
Byron Burgers have announced plans to close their restaurant in Manchester's Corn Exchange.
The burger chain, which opened within the renovated grade II-listed complex on Exchange Square in September 2015, expects to cease trading in early-2018, once the lease has been assigned to a new tenant.
Byron will be the first operator to bow out of the 142,000 sq ft development, which houses national dining brands including Wahaca, Vapiano and Pho, and local operators Salvi's, Tampopo and Mowgli.
Reports from inside the Corn Exchange suggest that the recent temporary closure of the neighbouring Manchester Arena - following May's terror attack - have hit some tenants hard.
However, a spokesperson for building owners Aviva say that hasn't affected interest in the Byron site. They said: “While still at an early talks stage we have already received multiple offers of interest in the unit should we collectively decide to move forward with lease negotiations.”
Byron - bought by private equity firm Hutton Collins for £100m in 2013 - is said to be considering closing four of its 70 UK restaurants, due to rising food costs and the introduction of the living wage.
But Byron isn't the only national chain to struggle in the Exchange Square area. In March, London-based premium Thai chain Busaba announced their closure, just over a year after opening. A spokesperson blamed the closure on "the number of openings in the city over the last twelve months".
The announcement comes as Glasgow steak and gin house, Alston Bar & Beef, prepares to open in the Corn Exchange, followed by the launch of the 114-bed Roomzzz aparthotel later this year.
