Emily's, a restaurant in Formby, Merseyside, will continue trading despite its parent company falling into administration. The restaurant, located on Brows Lane, has been a popular spot for diners across Merseyside since opening four years ago.
Rebel Restaurants Group, the parent company, entered administration on Monday, August 10. Documents seen by the ECHO show that resolutions have been submitted for the winding-up of the business. On Tuesday, August 11, the restaurant confirmed it will continue to operate under a new company, West Coast Dining Formby, which was established at the end of June. The firm stated that Emily's will "continue as normal."
Financial pressures cited
In an official statement, Rebel Restaurants acknowledged there had been "considerable pressure on the company from an early stage." The statement said: "Like many businesses operating within the hospitality sector the company has faced significant financial pressures."
It added: "The substantial costs associated with opening and establishing a new hospitality business; combined with continued increases in operating costs, placed considerable pressure on the company from an early stage." These challenges were compounded by increases in employment costs, including changes to employer National Insurance contributions and thresholds, alongside rising wages, utilities, food costs and other operating expenses.
New owners promise investment
West Coast Dining Formby, the new owner, has promised to invest in Emily's. A spokesperson for Emily's said: "Our absolute priority was to protect Emily's and everything that has been built around it."
"The acquisition by West Coast Dining Formby achieves that and most importantly, provides the opportunity for further investment into the business. This isn't the end of Emil's story. It is the beginning of its next chapter."
The spokesperson added: "With new investment and a strong platform behind the business, the focus now is on continuing to grow Emily's, supporting our team and ensuring we continue to provide the food, service and experience our customers have come to expect. We would particularly like to thank our team, our loyal customers and the Formby community for the incredible support they have shown Emily's over the last four years. We are genuinely excited about what comes next."
