Independent Manchester vegan restaurant announces closure just weeks after desperate plea

Wholesome Junkies, a vegan restaurant in Manchester famed for its plant-based takes on classic junk food, has announced its sad closure.

The restaurant, which is tucked under the arches near Manchester Victoria, had just weeks ago pleaded for ‘understanding and support‘ after taking the tricky decision to overhaul their menu prices.

But a few extra quid on the menu hasn’t been enough to lift Wholesome Junkies out of the economic difficulties many businesses have faced in the last couple of years.

Owner Chelsea Campbell said in a statement this evening that she was ‘heartbroken’ to be announcing the closure, just weeks after sharing her previous, very honest update.

And despite her restaurant reaching such a sad end, she has continued to rally for a ‘change in our economy and in our industry’ for those independent businesses desperately scrambling to make ends meet.

She said that over the last seven years running the business alone she’s faced ‘challenges and triumphs’ and thanked both her staff and customers for being there through it all.

“We’ve built more than just a business; we’ve built a family,” she added.

Chelsea also stressed that Wholesome Junkies has been packed every weekend, pointing out that a busy restaurant isn’t enough to cope with the rising costs across the hospitality industry.

Wholesome Junkies will continue to trade at festivals and events despite bowing out of their colourful restaurant on Mirabel Street.

Full statement from Chelsea at Wholesome Junkies

This is one of the hardest messages I’ve ever had to write. I’m completely heartbroken

We’ve made the incredibly tough decision to close our restaurant with immediate effect.

Despite being packed every weekend, our costs have skyrocketed, and we can’t keep up with the debt. The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.

I’m holding onto hope for a change in the economy and in our industry, especially for small, independent businesses like ours.

About 1.5 years ago, I hit complete burnout and it took me a long time to recover I’ve learned I need to be kind to myself and those around me.

Thankfully, my passion for cheffing and Wholesome Junkies still burns bright once again.

Running Wholesome Junkies as a solo woman has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs for the last 7 years.

It’s my passion, my dream, and it’s been made possible by the most amazing team by my side who have put up with my quirky adhd ways. Their dedication, compassion, laughs, and support have made these two years on Mirabel St and all the adventures prior unforgettable.

We’ve built more than just a business; we’ve built a family.

We’re going back to our roots with events, weddings, popups, and festivals.

This summer is packed and I’m lucky to have most of our incredible staff joining me on this new adventure.

We’re on the lookout for a new kitchen residency or popup spot. If you want some award winning burgers at your place, slide into our DM’s!

Keep an eye on our socials for updates on where we’ll be popping up next so you can still get your Wholesome Junkies fix. And if you want to stay in the loop, join our email subscription which you can sign up to on our website www.wholesomejunkies.co.uk

To our wonderful customers who’ve all become our friends along the years, thank you. Your support has kept us alive, and I’m forever grateful.

Please be kind and patient, this is still very raw and I’m still trying to process everything.

Much love and gratitude, Chelsea and the WJ Fam