Popular takeaway where Big Brother star worked before appearing on hit show suddenly closes down leaving fans gutted
A BELOVED Chinese takeaway where a Big Brother star worked both before and after her time on television has announced its sudden closure.
Restaurant 2 Takeaway, located in Warrington, shared the unexpected news on their official Facebook page.
They stated: “It comes with great sadness that we are announcing the closure of Restaurant 2 Takeaway.
“We want to thank you for the support of our customers through the years.
“It was a pleasure serving you all.”
Lily Benson, 20, from Warrington, rose to national fame during the 2024 series of Big Brother.
Before entering the house, she had been a dedicated employee at Restaurant 2 Takeaway since the age of 14.
Her love for the job was evident during her time on the show, where she frequently spoke about her job and the dishes she loved.
Despite her newfound fame, Lily returned to the takeaway after becoming the sixth contestant evicted from the Big Brother house on Day 34, expressing her commitment to the job.
She shared her plans, saying: “Yeah, I am going to continue working there.”
“I’ve been talking about my return with my boss.”
Following the closure announcement, Lily posted a heartfelt TikTok video filled with cherished memories of her colleagues, captioned: captioned: “I’m hiccup crying I can’t.”
The emotional video struck a chord with many, amassing over 39,000 likes and more than 300,000 views.
One commenter wrote: “I was literally going to order tonight.
“It’s banging! “Best in the north west! Have they already closed Lil? Gutted.”
Another reminisced: “My first ever job with you thanks for everything sally hope your well xxx.”
A former employee shared: “A pleasure to have worked here for many years. All the best of luck to sally and Simon.”
One user wrote: “Oh no, I am so sad. I felt so lucky to have such good food close by! The absolute best in Warrington and the most friendly and warm service.”I wish you the very best in your next chapter. Thank you for some lovely meals xx.”
Another commented: “Nooo! Not my favorite Chinese takeaway!”
Lastly, someone wrote: “Absolutely gutted! Hands down the best Chinese in Warrington. Thank you for all the amazing food, and best of luck with whatever comes next! xx”
The hospitality industry is facing mounting pressures, including soaring bills, rising costs, and squeezed budgets.
Many independent restaurants, as well as larger chains, have struggled to survive in an increasingly difficult financial climate.
More closures could be on the horizon due to upcoming hikes in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the national minimum wage.
These additional costs, combined with already high energy bills and food prices, have put severe strain on small businesses,
The rising cost of living has also led to a decline in dining out, with many consumers cutting back on discretionary spending.
After struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic, restaurants were then hit with inflationary pressures, making it harder to maintain profitability.
Big names like Wetherspoons and Frankie and Benny’s have had to scale back operations, reflecting a wider crisis within the food and drink industry.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
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 been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.