The proprietors of a well-known burger restaurant in Greater Manchester have revealed that two of their outlets have shut down.
That Burger Place began operations in Swinton during 2017, established by couple Ryan McDermott and Megan Mcgillivray.
Their initial outlet ceased trading due to the impact of the pandemic and escalating expenses. But as they won recognition for their California-style smashed burgers and milkshakes, the business subsequently grew to include premises in Salford, Walkden and Bury, with the final location launching merely twelve months ago.
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Ryan and Megan have now said that both the Walkden and Bury branches will cease operations as they concentrate their resources on the Salford site on Bolton Road, close to Irlam O' Th' Heights, reports.
In a social media announcement, the pair said: "We've been getting lots of questions about the stores in Walkden and Bury and now is the time to tell you why we've decided to say goodbye to them.
"As a married couple who work together there's just no breathing room from the business when it's in three locations. There's no date night, family gathering or holiday where we can fully switch off and ultimately you can only do that for so long before it takes a toll on your mental and physical health.
"Expanding is brilliant and we're so proud that we did it but in truth we stretched ourselves too thin and as our customers you deserve better from us."
The duo explained that the decision for the burger business, which secured a spot in the National Burger Awards 2024 finals, was to concentrate on a single outlet - with Salford proving the logical choice.
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They said channelling their efforts and resources into the sole Salford location means they have 'perfected the products'. They added: "We realised we needed to focus solely on one location and for the past 12 weeks that's exactly what we've done. If you've been into the Salford store or ordered from us recently you'll already know we're back in-store running things hands on and TBP is on its A game.
"It's almost like we've started from scratch by going back to the original recipes and perfecting the products for 2025. We're even back with our British butcher from the Swinton store days to give you the highest quality grass fed beef every time you bite into our burgers."
They continued: "So when we decided which store we'd keep open we both went with where our hearts are: SALFORD. We're both Salford kids and wanted to stay true to not just the origins of the brand but ourselves as people and that's why TBP on the Height is our flagship store and always will be."
Ryan and Megan acknowledged that patrons in Walkden and Bury would be 'disappointed' by the announcement, but expressed hope that loyal customers would recognise the decision was 'right for us'. "We know lots of you will be disappointed to read this but it really is at the expense of giving you a better product and a more personal hands on TBP experience.
"More importantly it's about us as people, as a married couple, it's about what's right for us and that's what matters most."
Customers online showed their support to the pair .
One commented: "We are very lucky to have you in Salford. Sorry you are having to close other stores but you have to do what is right for you and work life balance."
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Another remarked: "All the best guys! Quality over quantity."
A further supporter added: "Such a tough decision but an important one. Your life/work balance is so important and picking yourselves is number one. Love you both."