The owners of Sale Foodhall have announced that it will be closing its doors on 2nd April 2023 after facing ‘unprecedented cost increases over the last 12 months.’
The 5500sq ft grocery store, coffee shop and food hall was one of the first new independent retailers to open on Sale’s revamped Stanley Square in November 2021, offering locals and visitors an evolving line-up of guest food traders and a dog-friendly community space. Sale food hall comprised a 150-cover dining and drinking space, plus an outdoor terrace and followed the pattern of its sibling concept in Stretford, which will remain open for business.
Permanent local street food traders who had a concession at Sale Food Hall including Eat Dutch Lekker, Nasi Lemak and Eat Like a Greek, will have to find a new home. Successful burger makers What’s Your Beef has been trading from Sale since it launched, and will continue to operate at Stretford Food Hall.
The contemporary grocery stores and food halls are owned by Store Retail Group, a community of independent retail and hospitality spaces across Greater Manchester founded by retail entrepreneur Mital Morar. The groups’ other sites include General Stores in Ancoats, MediaCityUK, Castlefield, Moss Side and Deansgate Square as well as Stretford Food Hall.
The brand describes their Food Hall concepts as ‘a modern take on casual dining with a rotation of Manchester’s best street food traders on show. We work closely with local breweries, coffee roasters and everyone in-between to create an ever-changing collection of food & drink across our Foodhalls. The perfect setting for eating, drinking, dining and meeting.’
The Sale Food Hall was one of the first independent businesses to open in the revamped Stanley Square which has seen much recent investment. It has since attracted a whole new raft of independent retailers, cafes, restaurants and bars including a second site for Simon Rimmer’s Greens restaurant, Blanchflower, Roti Food & Liquor, Rudy’s Pizza, SUD (new name for Sugo Pasta Kitchen), and Zumu Sushi with more to come including Oystercatcher, a seafood restaurant which has had much success in Chorlton.
Despite the regeneration of the area, the recent cost of living crisis has proved too much for the operators of Sale Food Hall who announced today in a social media post that they will be closing for good in April.
The full statement reads:
Dear all – An update to share regarding our wonderful Sale Foodhall…
After facing unprecedented cost increases over the last 12 months, we are unable to keep the business moving forward sustainably. Sadly, we have made the decision that Sale Foodhall will close. We will be trading up to and including the 2nd April 2023.
We share this news with a heavy heart. It is really tough at the moment for hospitality businesses, independent businesses, retailers, makers – everyone really! We know that you, our guests and followers, are feeling it too and we’re sorry that we couldn’t keep serving you in Sale.
As one of the first independent businesses to arrive in Stanley Square, it’s been wonderful to be a part of the journey of the town so far. We have become so invested – it’s tough to let it go but we have not been able to find a way forward. Rising costs, especially in terms of power, have proved insurmountable for us here in Sale. We take with us warm memories of Groceries & Beer and witnessing the transformation of the mall!
Our priority is to keep our colleagues in jobs and so we’re focussed on that right now. Our Stretford Foodhall remains open.
We’d like to thank all the talented traders, makers, creators and everyone else who has been part of our story in Sale. And especially our customers who have welcomed us into the community from day one. Warm thanks to all the team at Stanley Square who have supported our journey since we met in 2019.
Wishing all our neighbours and fellow businesses the best – Onwards and upwards – to everyone.
