Reality television star Elliott Wright has made the heartbreaking decision to sell his Spanish restaurant Olivia's La Cala, following a tumultuous period that included a devastating arson attack and significant financial pressures.
The former TOWIE personality, 44, shared the emotional news with his 363,000 Instagram followers, revealing that the establishment named after his daughter would be changing hands after four challenging years of operation.
The Devastating Fire That Changed Everything
Wright's restaurant venture suffered a catastrophic blow in April 2023 when the premises were deliberately set ablaze, causing extensive damage estimated at a staggering £700,000. The former reality star described the incident as "the final nail in the coffin" for the business.
"The journey over the last four years has been incredibly difficult," Wright confessed to his followers. "The fire attack last year was something we simply couldn't fully recover from, despite our best efforts."
Mounting Challenges and Public Scrutiny
The restaurant owner didn't shy away from addressing the multiple challenges he's faced, including navigating the complex landscape of Spanish bureaucracy and dealing with significant public backlash.
"The difficulties we've encountered have been overwhelming at times," Wright explained. "Between the administrative hurdles and the criticism we've received, it's taken its toll on both the business and personally."
A New Chapter Begins
Despite the closure, Wright remains optimistic about the future. The father-of-three confirmed that the restaurant has already been sold to new owners who plan to continue operating the venue under a different name and concept.
"While this chapter is closing, I'm grateful for the experience and the support we've received from loyal customers and staff," Wright stated. "Sometimes you have to make tough decisions for the wellbeing of your family and future."
The celebrity entrepreneur, who first found fame on The Only Way Is Essex, has been running restaurants in Spain since 2015, with Olivia's La Cala representing his most ambitious venture to date.
