Glasgow restaurant Viva Brazil forced to close after 12 years due to 'escalating bills'

A restaurant owner has said he was left with “no other option” but to close the Glasgow branch of his business due to escalating costs.

Viva Brazil on Bothwell Street has closed permanently after 12 years in operation.

Owner Andy Aldrich described the decision to close as a “very difficult move” after a sign announcing the closure was placed on the restaurant’s door.

He explained: “This has been a very tough decision to make and I am of course deeply sorry that it has come to this.

“This is a business I have personally built up and invested in over the last 12 years and no business owner wants to make decisions like this.

“It is unfortunate that I feel I have been left with no other option and forced into this position. A combination of the cost of living crisis, escalating bills and overheads and very sadly a street which has gradually seen more and more businesses close, I have had to make this very difficult move.

“All of the staff who are employed in Glasgow have been offered alternative positions at my restaurants in other regions and supported with relocation costs, or, supported to find other positions if relocating is not an option for them.”

Mr Aldrich will continue to run the Viva Brazil restaurants in Cardiff and Liverpool.

The restaurant is one of many to close in recent months due to factors including the cost of living crisis.

In July last year, Brian Maule at Chardon D’Or closed its doors after over two decades.

The team said the business could no longer sustain under the pressure of Covid, the cost of living crisis, increased homeworking, plunging property value and a general “lack of support” for the hospitality sector.

Bothwell House on Bothwell Street closed just six months after opening with the business generating a total loss of over half a million pounds in that time.