A BELOVED burger chain which previously shut all of its locations will re-open after fury from staff.
Cult burger restaurant Almost Famous has reopened two locations.
Owner Beau Myers previously revealed the “current economic climate” had proven “too challenging” for them.
And “despite best efforts” they closed all sites in January 2025.
This included its two sites in Manchester, plus branches in Liverpool and Leeds.
In a state of fury, over 100 Almost Famous employees started a union-backed campaign to demand compensation, BBC reports.
One month on and D2, the team behind Liverpool’s popular PINS Social Club have acquired the keys to the Manchester Northern Quarter and Liverpool sites.
D2’s new Managing Director Daniel Kelly has pledged they will “hire as many of the old team as we can”.
As of Friday, February 21 and Monday, February 24, both restaurants have reopened.
The next steps for the Almost Famous branches in the Great Northern Warehouse and Leeds are undecided.
PINS Social Club have not acquired the keys as of yet.
Daniel will be at the helm of the Northern Quarter and Liverpool sites.
He was the former Operations Director at Almost Famous between 2018 and 2022.
Daniel said: “We’re buzzing to get Almost Famous back – hire as many of the old team as we can, get the grills on and the burgers flying out.
“I’ve been part of this brand and I know what it takes to maintain its bigger, better, and make-it-outrageous approach.
“We’re here to bring back the legendary AF experience – killer service, next-level food, and all the chaotic, messy, unforgettable vibes that made Almost Famous, well… Famous.”
Almost Famous was founded 13 years ago at the height of the dirty burger craze and has since served more than a million burgers to guests.
It was known for its towering burgers, wings and loaded fries.
REASON FOR CLOSURE
Speaking last month, Beau Myers said: “It is with broken hearts and tearful eyes that we must announce the closure of Almost Famous.
“The current economic climate has proven too challenging for us to overcome.
“The lingering debt from Covid, rising costs across every aspect of the business, and a tightening in people’s ability to spend on dining out have created an impossible situation.
“Despite our best efforts, we are no longer able to continue.
“Ironically, while our venues remain busy and our reviews are glowing, the financial pressures stacked against us have made it impossible to sustain the business – making this scenario even more heart-breaking.”
He added: “It has been an unforgettable journey, and we hope we’ve been able to create lasting memories, happy moments, and plenty of smiles along the way.
“All we ever wanted was to make incredible burgers and provide good times. That mission drove us every single day.”
HAPPY FANS
After hearing the news that PINS Social Club saved Liverpool’s joint, lots of fans took to Facebook to spread the joy.
One person wrote: “Free state kitchen is the best burger place in Liverpool.”
To which another replied: “I second this. Absolutely tremendous.”
And another replied: “Absolutely correct!”
Meanwhile a post made by Proper Manchester on Facebook had fans commenting: “Good things do happen in the world.”
Followed by a second person: “Been sulking for nothing ahah, just hope they open GN as well cause that’s where we went.”
