THE former home of a vegan restaurant is available to rent after the business "ceased trading".
It was confirmed on May 15 that Hank’s Colchester, in Culver Street West, would close after trouble with investment in the business.
The vegan restaurant’s co-owner Geoffrey Bligh confirmed the news through the brand’s Facebook page at the time.
It was said the restaurant and most of its counterparts in the UK will stop trading for the time being.
New 'to let' signs have now appeared at Hank’s Colchester.
Sad - Hank's Colchester (Image: Newsquest)
Commercial estate agent business owner Jon Ablewhite confirmed the unit is available.
He said: “We are trying to secure a new tenant for the property, to sign up a new lease to take things into the future.
“We are hopeful to find a new tenant sooner rather than later.”
Business owners - Geoffrey Bligh and Philip Rivers
Hank’s Colchester opened in July 2021.
Mr Bligh and business partner Philip Rivers also opened Hank’s restaurants in Ipswich, Cambridge, Felixstowe and Norwich.
In the Facebook post, Mr Bligh said the business had been heading into a “successful summer season” with the Colchester branch being set to undergo a refurb.
According to the vegan restaurant chain, the changes were being funded by a new business investment that was to be brought into effect in early May, but it fell through.
The “shock” decision had a “huge impact on the business” and a significant amount of money had already been spent on the projects.
Hank’s was then left in a "bankrupt situation" according to a statement.
Hank’s Dirty Cambridge continued to operate and deliver Hank’s vegan menu, but other Hank’s locations ceased trading.
The Gazette has contacted Mr Bligh for a comment.
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