A BELOVED Italian restaurant once described as a “diamond” by diners has suddenly shut its doors after nearly 50 years of operations.
Santoro in Yarm, North Yorkshire, announced on its website that it had permanently closed its doors after a “wonderful 45 years of business.”
2
The Italian restaurant was well reviewed online, with diners praising the kindness of staff and “excellent” quality of food.
However, the much-loved restaurant is no more, with both a sign in the venue’s window and a post online confirming its demise.
The statement on the restaurant’s website said: “After a wonderful 45 years of business, we have decided to permanently close our doors.
“We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone that has supported us over the years.”
The restaurant was well-regarded in the Yorkshire town, which lies less than 5 miles south of Stockton-on-Tees.
One reviewer said in January: “Had a really lovely meal here before a show at the theatre.
“Outstanding service and really excellent quality food.
“Our experience was altogether positive and we can highly recommend this restaurant.”
Another added in August last year: “Excellent customer service and food as always.
“Owners sons are clearly passionate about the business and share their father and Grandfathers ethos.
“Very pleasant experience thank you”.
However, some negative reviews of the restaurant had begun to arise following the tragic death of its founding family member Vincenzo Serino in 2022.
One unhappy customer said in September: “This place was a diamond.
“It has lost its lustre.
“Adapt and take this in the spirit it’s meant or you will be dust within 12 months.”
Sadly, the truth was even faster for the restaurant, as it would shut just six months later.
The restaurant has advised those concerned with voucher refunds to contact the venue via email following its closure.
No reason has been given behind Santoro’s sudden shuttering.
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE
Many Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had struggled to bounce back after the pandemic, only to then be hit with soaring energy bills and other pressures from inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Craig Rachel, director at financial adviser AlixPartners, explained what had pushed businesses to close sites in 2024.
He said: “Restaurants have seen the accumulation of external pressures in 2024, including rising utility costs, food prices and labour costs.
“Although some of these factors have stabilised over recent months, the overall impact is significant and will be exacerbated again in 2025 following the budget announcements, and this has all affected profitability.
“Some restaurant groups have been able to mitigate this to a certain extent through operational efficiencies and pricing, but consumer spending in the sector is under pressure meaning price measures are often unable to fully bridge the gap.”
Three Michelin-hailed restaurants suddenly close down on SAME day as owners blame Rachel Reeves’ brutal Budget tax hit
THREE Michelin-hailed restaurants were all forced to shut on the same day as a result of Rachel Reeves’ tax spikes.
The swanky venues closed before facing the “looming impact” of the Autumn budget.
La Goccia, the Petersham, and the Petersham Wine Bar & Deli were recognised for their glam decor and Italian-style dishes.
But now the branches, which opened in 2018, will have to cut their losses as the sites face “unsustainably high costs.”
Co-founder and director of the Petersham Nurseries, Lara Boglione, told The Times they were desperately trying to find a solution.
She said the restaurants would struggle due to “significant cost challenges” and “legacy issues relating to the trading impact of Covid-19 and Brexit“.
Rachel Reeve’s budget outlined an increase in minimum wage and employers’ national insurance contribution, which would increase overall costs.
With more outgoing expenses and smaller profit margins, the Petersham Nurseries brand claims it would not be able to sustain the restaurant trio.
After the budget was revealed, experts warned that venues with the lowest-paid workers would be hit the hardest by the tax rises.
Boffins from The Centre for Policy Studies said employers with staff on the minimum wage would be forced to pay £2,367 extra per worker.
2
