Ryan Giggs has reportedly shut down his restaurant in Manchester.
A restaurant co-owned by former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs has reportedly shut down with immediate effect, leaving staff blindsided.
Employees of George’s Dining Room and Bar in Worsley were allegedly informed of their dismissal via text message, according to Manchester Evening News.
The venue, which Giggs opened in 2014 alongside childhood friends Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor, had been a popular local dining spot.
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs || imago
However, a notice on the door on Friday night simply stated the restaurant was closed for the weekend due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
Staff, who were expecting to turn up for work, were instead met with text messages informing them that the business was shutting down permanently.
Customers were met with a notice of closure | Manchester Evening News
The message reportedly read:
“We regret to announce that with a heavy heart we have no alternative but to close George’s effective immediately.”
Citing financial struggles, the message continued:
“This is due to the obvious reduction in trade and business against the huge increases in costs of operating the business and the ongoing cost of living crisis.”
Ryan Giggs and his fellow co-owners of George restaurant in Manchester | Manchester Evening News
A shocked employee told Manchester Evening News:
“It came totally out of the blue, we were all supposed to be working today and then we got the text messages through. We are all stunned.”
Giggs’ business ventures face scrutiny
Former Wales manager and former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs | Imago
The unexpected closure raises questions about Giggs’ business ventures, especially as he continues to be involved in other hospitality projects.
He had once described George’s as a dream project, with Manchester United icons like Gary Neville, Bryan Robson, and Nicky Butt attending its grand opening.
Giggs, 51, has also partnered with Neville on GG Hospitality Group, which operates Hotel Football near Old Trafford and Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester city centre.
Beyond hospitality, Giggs has been active in football again, taking a more hands-on role at Salford City FC, where he co-owns the club with Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and David Beckham.
This is weird. What could have happened.