Cost of living is blamed as pizza restaurants close
A restaurant chain has shed light on the sudden closure of two of its venues, which shocked and saddened people in Fareham.
As previously reported, Three Joes sourdough pizza restaurant at Fareham Shopping Centre shut suddenly about 2pm on Monday, with staff informed shortly beforehand during an impromptu meeting.
Now, the chain has explained why the Fareham branch was shut – alongside its Chichester location – blaming the “cost-of-living crisis” and its impact on the hospitality industry. A spokesperson for Three Joes said: “We have made the difficult decision to close our Three Joes restaurants in Chichester and Fareham this week.
“Unfortunately, like many other restaurants in the current cost-of-living crisis, we have struggled to make these venues viable.
“We are hugely grateful to our team, who have worked so hard, and we are talking to them about other opportunities within Three Joes. They have been paid in full and we are in consultation with them.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our lovely customers of Chichester, Fareham and beyond for their support and kindness.
“Our other venues continue to go from strength to strength. Our nearest Three Joes is in Winchester and is ready to welcome our guests any time.”
Shortly after the Fareham restaurant’s closure, 20-yearold kitchen supervisor
Henry Smith said that he was “disappointed” when he and his colleagues were told they were no longer employed.
Henry said: “Everyone was stressed, anxious and there was a bit of anger there as well. I have given up so much to work there. My social life, I was there all through Covid – to have that shoved back in your face is a kick in the teeth.”
Unfortunately we have struggled to make these venues viable