Seven jobs lost as Shrewsbury restaurant backed by TV's Nick Knowles folds
A Shrewsbury restaurant which attracted the backing of one of the biggest names in TV has gone into liquidation - leaving seven people out of work.
Today DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles said he hoped a buyer would be found for vegan restaurant Optimum Joy on Wyle Cop, which traded as O'Joy.
The cafe, which opened in 2013, prided itself on its egg, dairy and gluten free menu and also offered complementary medicines and therapies.
Owner Becky Porter confirmed the business had ceased to trade.
Mr Knowles said: “I am sad to hear O’Joy is closing. I heard about O’Joy and the owner’s efforts to bring vegan food to a wider clientele almost two years ago – her own story and battles with mental health which she was brave enough to share online were, I thought, inspiring and I was happy to invest some money and try and promote the restaurant to help her.
“During that time the restaurant grew in popularity and became much-loved in the town.
“Running a restaurant is very tough and put a huge strain on the owner and, while I am not a shareholder and did not want a return on my investment, and so do not consider myself a creditor, I did my best to help it succeed.”
He added: “I think the owner should be congratulated on what she achieved and I remain hopeful a buyer will come forward.”
At the end of last month Becky Porter took the decision that the business was no longer viable and it ceased to trade.
The matter is now in the hands of a liquidator.
A spokeswoman for O'Joy said: "It's with great sadness that I am releasing the following statement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our lovely and loyal customers who have supported us over the years, and to the staff who have worked so hard to make O'Joy so special.
"Optimum Joy Limited, trading as O’Joy (“the Company”), was established in 2013.
"The business established a loyal following and had grown over the period of trading. However, it ultimately faced funding issues followed by the withdrawal of support from one of its creditors.
"These issues have meant that with great regret the director of the Company had no choice other than to cease to trade with some seven employees being made redundant.
"JPO Restructuring Limited has been engaged to assist with the process of placing the Company into creditors voluntary liquidation. The appointed liquidator will be seeking expressions of interest in the Company assets to maximise realisations for creditors."
