Damian Wawrzyniak launches crowdfund as cost of living crisis forces closure of House of Feasts
The chef has launched a crowdfund via GoFundMe that's aiming to raise £50,000, which he says will be used 'to make sure all suppliers are paid and staff leave their jobs with pay checks'.
House of Feasts' last service will be on Sunday 21 August, and any donations will be exchanged for a voucher to dine at the restaurant before it closes.
"Closing my restaurant is the toughest decision I have ever made, beautiful memories, people I have met, days and nights in the kitchen with my amazing staff will always bring smile on my face," Wawrzyniak says on his GoFundMe page.
"Unfortunately there is no other way to continue this journey, with rising living costs, price of goods and holiday season we just can not continue."
Having got his business through the pandemic, Wawrzyniak says that 2022 was supposed to be a new start and the beginning of going back to normal service, but that the rising costs of ingredients, energy and gas, as well as staffing issues have made it hard to continue.
He adds that despite the closure, he will look for a new location and partners in order to resurrect House of Feasts in the future.
"If anyone who is reading this story can help us to survive and reborn back in 2023, please get in touch," he continues.
"I personally will be now back on job ladder, to work with restaurants, hotels, culinary brands and continue my humanitarian work anywhere in the world."
