A MUCH-loved fast-food restaurant has announced its shock closure after struggling with soaring costs.
The beloved takeaway, known for its kebabs, pizzas, and burgers, cited rising electricity bills and rent as the reason behind the closure.
Istanbul Kebab, based on High Street in Irvine, revealed the heartbreaking news on Facebook, confirming that Sunday, March 2, would be their last day of trading.
In an emotional farewell message, the owners wrote: “Today we have to announce the permanent closure of our shop.
“Tomorrow will be our last day serving you, and it truly breaks our hearts to say goodbye.
“We want to thank each and every one of you for your support and kindness over this time.
“If you’d like to enjoy your favourite kebabs, pizzas, and burgers one last time, we’ll be taking orders until tomorrow. We’d love to see you before we close our doors for good.”
Customers rushed to share their sadness over the closure, with many praising the restaurant not just for its food but for its generosity.
One heartbroken customer wrote: “So sad to see you close – your food is delicious, and you are so kind and do a lot for the community. I was so touched when you opened for the homeless on Christmas Day.”
Another added: “That’s a real shame. You guys are always so nice and welcoming and serve delicious food! Wish you all the best.”
A loyal fan from Edinburgh also shared their disappointment, saying: “Definitely one of the best kebabs I’ve had as well as fantastic service. Just gutted I couldn’t come through more often.”
Despite the sad news, customers are hoping Istanbul Kebab will be able to reopen at a new location in the future.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Scottish chippy’s ‘outrageously good 10-star’ fish supper stuns reviewer into silence” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6365014236112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]One customer wrote: “I’m praying you guys relocate and open in the future, i can’t see you go”.
Another commented on it being a difficult blow for the High Street, “We’re going to have nothing left on the high street, what is going on?”.
The shock closure comes as small businesses across the UK continue to struggle with rising costs, with many finding it impossible to keep up with skyrocketing energy bills and rent.
It comes as another beloved Italian restaurant once described as a “diamond” by diners suddenly shut its doors after nearly 50 years of operations.
Santoro in Yarm, North Yorkshire, announced on its website that it had permanently closed its doors after a “wonderful 45 years of business.”
Elsewhere, well-known Italian restaurant chain Wildwood, announced the closure of its restaurant in Chelsmford.
Hospitality industry struggles
Many food and drink businesses have faced significant challenges recently, as the rising cost of living has led to a decline in dining out.
After struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic, many establishments were then hit with soaring energy bills and mounting inflationary pressures.
This has forced several well-known chains to shut locations, with big brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s among those affected.
Craig Rachel, director at financial advisory firm AlixPartners, outlined the key factors that have driven businesses to close sites in 2024.
He said: “Restaurants have seen the accumulation of external pressures in 2024, including rising utility costs, food prices and labour costs.
“Although some of these factors have stabilised over recent months, the overall impact is significant and will be exacerbated again in 2025 following the budget announcements, and this has all affected profitability.
“Some restaurant groups have been able to mitigate this to a certain extent through operational efficiencies and pricing, but consumer spending in the sector is under pressure meaning price measures are often unable to fully bridge the gap.”