An Oldmeldrum pizza restaurant has announced it has ceased trading as its crippled by rising costs.
TJ’s Pizza in the Aberdeenshire town has closed its doors for good following a difficult two years of trade.
Announcing the news on social media, owners Terry and Sally said after the pandemic rising fuel prices and energy costs had proved to be the final straw.
They wrote: “Like countless other small businesses in this industry, the ups and downs and uncertainty of the last two years have taken their toll.
“Despite being as busy as we could possibly be at weekends, with the overheads of operating from such a large unit, the rising costs of ingredients, fuel prices and now crippling energy costs, we have been forced to accept the situation we are currently in is simply not sustainable.”
Battling to save their business from collapse
Amidst the uncertainty, they invested in upgrades to the main diner area in an effort to keep business afloat.
However, their “gamble” to keep the Oldmeldrum business open failed to pay off.
They added: “Last year we invested in fitting out the diner but unfortunately this has not been the success we needed to keep us going.
“There came a point where we had to address the implications for us both personally and financially and reluctantly made the decision to liquidate the business voluntarily before we completely exhausted both.”
Staff have thanked customers for their support in helping to make their “hard work worthwhile”.
Customers shocked by closure
The closure news has garnered a sad reaction on social media, with villagers expressing their disappointment and shock over the decision.
Customer Aby Wilson wrote: “Such sad news – you guys have worked so hard and TJ’s will be a big miss to the village. Both my boys were lucky enough to work for you guys. Wishing you all the best for the future.”
Cameron Archibald added: “I’m really sorry to hear this , best pizza in Aberdeenshire for sure. Massive loss to the community , all the best.”
David John Ross Barry said the business will be sorely missed.
He wrote: “Such a shock, very sad news.
“Since we moved to the area, TJ’s has been a favourite of ours with the great selection of tasty food. Big miss, all the best to you all in the future.”
