‘Nail in coffin’ Masterchef finalist to close restaurant in light of new virus rules
THE owner of an award-winning Japanese restaurant has announced he will have to close permanently – because the Government’s fresh restrictions are the “final nail in the coffin”.
Koj’s offerings have been praised by both the Michelin Guide and The Good Food Guide, but even these accolades were not enough to see the swanky venue through the pandemic.
Masterchef finalist Andrew Kojima, who owns the popular Cheltenham eatery, said he was “immensely proud of what his team and he achieved in three years”.
Last week, Boris Johnson introduced a raft of new rules for restaurants amid soaring Covid cases.
These include venues closing by 10pm, and all staff wearing face coverings.
Following the news, Mr Kojima said: “The recent rise in infections has prompted the Government to impose further restrictions, which could last for at least six months.
“They are the final nail in the coffin for any hope and fight that I had left in me.
“I always wanted Koj Cheltenham to do more than just satisfy hunger. I also wanted the experience to be affordable enough to make cocktails and dinner an occasional treat, not just for special occasions.
“I loved the atmosphere in our small restaurant when it was buzzing, so my initial concern was our ability to retain that character in the current environment.
“The task of generating revenues that exceed our overheads has been made all the harder by social distancing measures.”
Throughout the pandemic, Mr Kojima has been making huge financial losses.
“In opening my first restaurant, I realised a dream and expressed my passion,” he said. “I followed my heart.
“Sadly, I have concluded that now is the time for my head to rule my heart, so that I can make a fresh start, rebuild my career and make a living to support my wife and our young children through this turbulent time, rather than add to their worries.
“Without the backing of a wealthy and optimistic investor, I cannot take the risk of incurring further losses and greater debt.”
Without the backing of a wealthy and optimistic investor, I cannot take the risk of incurring further losses and greater debt
Andrew Kojima