A burger joint in the centre of Leeds has closed suddenly due to financial problems.
A notice in the window of American-style diner Johnny Fontane’s, in Great George Street, announced its closure on Friday, and piles of unopened mail could be seen in the doorway. There was no answer from the listed telephone number for the restaurant.
However there was fresh hope today that the eatery could be saved from permanent closure.
A message on the diner’s Twitter account @JohnnyFontanes said: “Hi Guys, unfortunately we are no longer open for trading.”
But another message added: “Thanks to everyone who has offered kind messages, emails and tweets in the last two days. Might have found some finance... More to be revealed.”
The restaurant is marketed as an “independent Leeds restaurant owned by two brothers. Home made burgers. Best milkshakes in Leeds. Home made fries. Fine selection of beers. Always improving.”
However there were hints earlier that the business was struggling in recent weeks.
One recent online review said: “Went at lunchtime on a Sunday. The place wasn’t that busy. There weren’t nearly enough staff for the size of the place. A real shame as I think the concept of a proper American style diner done well is a good one.”
Another recent diner said their experience did not “live up to the initial expectations”, adding: “This place looks like it is going to be fantastic. The guys have obviously spent a lot of money on the building, ideas and menus, etc. It’s a shame.”
Previous reviews up to and including the start of this month had been full of praise.
The Johnny Fontane’s concept, according to the diner’s website, is to provide “a real authentic American burger place” offering “real finesse”.
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