Popular burger restaurant to close as owners give damning assessment of Swansea city centre

Those behind the restaurant described their ‘genuine worry’ for the centre’s future as it relocates

A popular burger restaurant has announced it is relocating, with a damning assessment on the current landscape of Swansea city centre. Burger Freakz will stop trading at its Mansel Street base on Sunday, switching to a new location in Blaenymaes.

A statement described the move as a “tough decision”, stating a lot of happy memories had been made trading in its current location.

But explaining the reasons behind the move, those behind the restaurant described their “genuine worry” for the city centre, pointing to the closures of big name shops and small independent retailers. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here.

The statement read: “After a lot of thought and tough decisions we’ve had to make the last few weeks, we have made the decision to close Burger Freakz, 29 Mansel Street.

“It was a tough decision to make and something we would’ve preferred not to do, but with the rates/overhead of the city and the struggle in hospitality at this moment, especially during the summer, it just wasn’t financially making sense anymore.

“The city itself is losing foot traffic by the week, businesses are closing down all over the city, from small independents to big names. With a team of local people who have grown up here, it’s genuinely worrying to think what will actually be left of our city centre within the next 18 months.

“The most valuable math you can learn is how to calculate the future cost of your current decisions. But we’re not closing, we’re relocating. While going through some ups and downs over the last few weeks and questioning this decision, we got offered an opportunity for a second shop in an area some people may question, because of the name/reputation it has, but an area that has a massive community and is already our most popular postcode area – SA5.

“So turning a negative into a positive, we’ve already started work on the new shop and it’s going to give us so much more opportunity.

“There will be 25 to 30 seats and new delivery areas at Penllergaer, Gowerton, Gorseinon, Clase and Morriston.

“There will be lower overheads, more opportunity to give back through deals and offers, and a bigger and better Burger Freakz.

“But we won’t ever forget the amazing memories we’ve had in 29 Mansel Street. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to meet some amazing people from staff to customers, who have become friends to this day from the walk-ins, deliveries, colleections, locals – we really appreciate your support. We hope to still catch you at the new premises and that you continue to support us.

“Sunday, August 16 is our last day trading at 29 Mansel Street. This week, the opening date will be revealed for the new shop, so keep your eyes out for that one. Remember, this is the end of 29 Mansel Street, not Burger Freakz. Next stop SA5 5LN.”

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