AN INDEPENDENT restaurant in Southampton has been forced to close its doors just months after opening in Westquay.
The fried chicken chain Bok Shop, which opened in March 2022, has confirmed its closure on social media due to an "insane" price increase in its energy bills.
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The hike in its bills has also led the owners to permanently close their outlet in Eastbourne.
In the post, the restaurant said: "We have made the incredibly hard decision to permanently close our Southampton and Eastbourne restaurants.
"It has become increasingly difficult to keep these large units running after such insane price increases, such as energy. As an independent business started by two mates, we only ever want to be transparent with you."
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Co-owners Jamie O’Mara and Howard Kaye founded Bok Shop in Brighton in 2017.
Ever since then, the pair have gone on to open a few more stores across the UK.
However, now, only two of their sites remain Brighton and Hastings.
In the social media statement, the duo added: "Over the course of the last few years, we have really honed in on what The Bok Shop is, what it means to us, and most importantly, what it means to our customers.
"Although it feels like a couple of steps back, it’s all in the name of progress, and we’re grateful to have two other awesome shops in Brighton and Hastings that will continue to serve up all of the fried goodness you could ever want."
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The restaurant offers diners free-range fried chicken and vegan fried "chikn" choices on their menu.
While bidding goodbye to their Southampton customers and staff, the owners said: "We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing teams across all shops. You really do make us proud.
"And thank you to our customers for your continued love and support, not just for us but for all independent businesses. We’re really feeling it right now, so your support means the world to us."
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