The owners of No Frickin Chicken, a popular vegan food outlet in Worcester, have announced the closure of their business due to the escalating cost of living. Paddy Kelly and Hana Hughes, who started their venture as a food truck in 2021, cited soaring food prices and high operational costs as the primary reasons for their decision.
Key takeaways
- No Frickin Chicken began as a food truck in April 2021 and opened a diner in 2022.
- Rising costs of food, rent, and maintenance have made operations unsustainable.
- The couple plans to explore future business opportunities despite the setback.
The rise and fall of No Frickin Chicken
No Frickin Chicken began its journey in April 2021, initially operating as a food truck that frequented local markets and festivals. The business quickly gained popularity, leading to the opening of a diner in St John’s, Worcester, just a year later. However, the couple has now been forced to close their doors, citing the following challenges:
- Soaring food prices: The cost of ingredients has risen significantly, impacting profit margins.
- High rent: The expenses associated with maintaining a physical location have become burdensome.
- Equipment failures: The couple faced unexpected repair bills, including a £10,000 cost for fixing one of their vans.
The impact of the cost of living crisis
The couple’s struggles are reflective of a broader economic trend affecting small businesses across the UK. With the cost of living crisis intensifying, many consumers are tightening their budgets, which has a direct impact on niche markets like vegan food. Kelly noted that only about 5% of the population identifies as vegan, making it even more challenging to sustain a business in this sector when overall spending is down.
Government response and support
In response to the challenges faced by small businesses, a government spokesperson stated that they are committed to creating opportunities for businesses to thrive. They highlighted efforts to stabilise public finances and support small enterprises in accessing finance to grow and compete. However, Kelly expressed the need for more direct support for small businesses, which often struggle to absorb rising costs.
Looking to the future
Despite the closure, Kelly and Hughes remain optimistic about their future in the food industry. They have received an outpouring of support from customers who have enjoyed their food at festivals and in their diner. Kelly mentioned, "We feel like we’re a pretty good brand, and people love the name and love the food."
The couple is hopeful that they will have another opportunity to run a business in the future, as they continue to receive positive feedback from their loyal customer base. They expressed gratitude for the support they have received and are considering their next steps in the culinary world.
As the landscape for small businesses continues to evolve, the story of No Frickin Chicken serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by independent operators in today’s economy. The couple’s journey highlights the need for ongoing dialogue about the support necessary for small businesses to thrive in a changing economic environment.
