The firm behind Karen’s Diner and Broadway Diner has plunged into liquidation, just over a year after closing its north Manchester restaurant.
In June of the previous year, Karen’s Diner in Prestwich, Manchester, known for its “rude” staff, shut down after two years. A week later, the company closed its Broadway Diner at the Trafford Centre, where diners were serenaded by singing wait-staff, after only eight months.
Viral Venues, the owner of both concepts, stated at the time that it was closing the locations to transform the brands into pop-up touring ventures like Karen’s Diner On Tour and Broadway Events On Tour. During its tenure as a UK restaurant, Karen’s Diner hosted celebrities such as Davina McCall and Katie Hopkins.
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(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Liquidators have now been appointed for Viral Ventures, which originated in Australia before going into liquidation there last year, due to “mounting financial pressure”, including a winding up petition from a creditor.
The company, which employs 77 people, most of whom are on zero-hour contracts, has recently promoted Karen’s Diner on Tour events in cities like Liverpool, Plymouth, Newcastle, and Glasgow. These events were advertised as offering food, party games, and ‘insults’ from the staff, reports the Manchester Evening News.
(Image: John Myers)
Liquidators have revealed that over 2,500 clients have forked out for events that are “now very unlikely to go ahead”. Those who’ve booked and paid deposits for future shows, including this weekend’s Glasgow dates, are being urged to get in touch with their credit card companies as insurance protections might help with refunds.
Jeremy Frost and Patrick Wadsted from Frost Group Limited were today (September 16) named as the liquidators for the company. Frost, the boss of Frost Group Ltd, said: “It is always a challenging moment when a business, especially one with the reach of Viral Ventures, is forced into liquidation.”
(Image: John Myers)
“We understand the disappointment and worry, particularly for those with deposits for upcoming shows. Our priority is to guide those affected through this process and ensure the necessary steps are taken.”
Frost Group Ltd stated it’s working closely with all parties involved to achieve the best possible outcome. A dedicated website has been set up for customers, creditors and employees to submit enquiries.
Frost added: “We extend our sympathy to the employees, customers, and creditors at this difficult time. We encourage anyone impacted to visit the website for guidance on the next steps and available resources.”
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