News

Disappointment in Nottingham over sudden closure of ‘pillar’ Annie’s Burger Shack

By George Palmer-Soady

---

People in Nottingham have shared their disappointment at the sudden closure of the popular restaurant Annie’s Burger Shack.

The American-inspired business abruptly confirmed the end of its 10-year tenure in the city in an email sent on October 4 to about 20 staff, who say they have been made redundant.

The restaurant, located in the Broadway area of the Lace Market, was famed for its whacky and outlandish dishes and American diner interior.

The burger spot regularly held birthday parties and live music events, offering more than 20 meat, vegetarian and vegan burgers.

Its restaurant in Derby, which opened its doors in December 2018, closed earlier in January, before finally being put on the market in March.

Now the fate of the Nottingham restaurant has been confirmed – with a sign on its doors confirming the Broadway building is closed.

University student Grace Ashton, 21, of Lenton, says she had been going to Annie’s since moving to the city two years ago and feels “very sad” after learning about its closure.

“When my family has come to visit me, I’ve taken them there,” she said.

“It’s a great spot and I thought it always had great deals, great portions and it was always a really cool vibe and atmosphere in there – I feel like it was a pillar.

“I do think the location was slightly unfortunate because you’d come into town and there’s so many spots, especially in Hockley and close to Market Square.

“Whereas I think you had to decide you wanted to go [to Annie’s] and make the effort.”

Grace’s sentiments were echoed by Steve Hodgkinson, 47, of Woodthorpe, who says he was “surprised” by the news.

However, he believes Annie’s location “has never been the best”.

“It was really good – as soon as it came to Nottingham, everyone was talking about it,” he said.

“But I think more things is popping up everywhere, and I think rents and rates and things like that may be something to do with it.

“Everything costs more now, doesn’t it?”

Charlie Kilpatrick, 31, says he had regularly gone to the restaurant, however, he believes the loss of jobs is a “shame”.

“You’ve got to try and protect your staff if you can,” he said.

“To suddenly switch on them and say ‘hey, we’re done, it’s over’ – it’s a shame, but the high street has taken a hit in general.”

Staff members working at Annie’s were sent a letter last week from Worcesterabs Ltd – a business name changed in July 2024 from Worcester Annie’s Burger Shack Ltd.

It said: “I regret to advise you that the Board of Directors has concluded that the Company is not in a position to continue trading and steps are being taken to place the Company into liquidation on November 1, 2024.

“In the meantime, it is necessary to bring the trading activities of the Company to an immediate close.

“As a consequence, the Company, as your employer, is no longer in a position to make payments for the services rendered by you under your contract of employment.

“You should therefore regard your employment as terminated for reasons of redundancy.”

A notice posted on the door of the restaurant, in Broadway, adds: “Unfortunately, we are closed until further notice. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.”