The cost of living crisis has claimed another York business.
Indie restaurant and bar Charlie’s Pizzeria & The Hi Ho Club ceased trading on Sunday (2 October).
Combining a family-friendly pizzeria on the first floor, and a hidden speakeasy and bar beneath, it was opened by Charlie Hudson.
Charlie secured the lease on the Feasegate building in March 2020 – then Covid hit.
She was then diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2021, and underwent a six-month course of chemotherapy before being given the all clear.
But she still went on to open The Hi Ho Club opened a year ago, in October 2021, after a successful crowdfunding campaign.
Sadly, now both businesses have gone.
Charlie said: “Paying off debt from 17 months of paying for a building I couldn’t use and rates that I had to pay, as I hadn’t had a sale yet, was fine until all the bills tripled.
“Without being able to open the full business – ie the stage, a real kitchen, and private rooms (basically the money makers) – we can’t take the revenue to sustain all the increases in everything and we can’t do any off that cause we are paying off the debt from Covid and cancer.
“So here I am on a gerbil wheel of death with the option of a ridiculous loan or investors… No! I’m done! It’s too risky and I’m in a good place to leave now!”
In her Facebook post she said the “hardest thing I’ve ever done is open a business during a pandemic whilst undergoing intense cancer treatment… and I couldn’t be prouder or happier with what we achieved.
“It’s a vibe! You can’t buy it or make it. You’ve either got it or you haven’t… and we got the vibes good.”
She thanked her staff and customers. “If it wasn’t for Covid, cancer and a totally shite government this might have been a different story,” she added.
But sometimes things happen in your life that are out of your control and I truly believe everything happens for a reason.”
Charlie’s Pizzeria & The Hi Ho Club held a first birthday / closing down party on Sunday.
Customers were disappointed but hugely supportive. One wrote: “So sad to read this, you are one in a million.
“I found you late in the day and was so looking forward to your place becoming a regular but wish you the best wishes for your future.”
Another added: “End of an era. You absolutely poured your heart and soul into that place, it was beautiful whilst it lasted.”
And a third said: “I am beyond gutted to hear this. What you’ve created was pure magic.”
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