A MUCH-LOVED bar and grill has announced that it will be closing its Kirkbymoorside branch.
Smokin’ Joe's, in Market Place, Kirkbymoorside, has announced that it will be “permanently closing its doors”.
The bar and grill first opened in the town in May 2021 as the business’ flagship store.
Alongside the Kirkbymoorside branch, Smokin’ Joes also has a branch in Guisborough – which is to remain open.
Speaking on Facebook, a spokesperson for Smokin’ Joes said the running of the two branches had left the business “too thinly spread” and that it was “fed up” of “looking unprofessional” when trying to operate both businesses at once.
'A rollercoaster'
The full statement read: “What a rollercoaster it’s been.
“Big thank you to all of our loyal supporters over the last couple of years, we wish keeping Kirkby open was a viable possibility however with trying to run Smokin’ Joe’s - Guisborough we are just too thinly spread and fed up looking unprofessional trying to achieve something that simply isn’t possible with the people around us.
“Smokin' Joe's Kirkbymoorside is permanently closing its doors.
“We were here for a good time not a long time but hopefully anyone craving the Smokin' Joe's flavours will make the trip over to Guisborough where we have the facilities to dine in and enjoy a cold beer.”
Director, Joseph Smith, who co-owns the business with Andrew Moore, told the Gazette & Herald that running the two branches proved to be too difficult, admitting “quality did slip”.
'Celebrated in Guisborough, but just tolerated in Kirkbymoorside'
Joseph said that, despite launching in Kirkbymoorside and experiencing success in the town, there had been mixed reactions from locals.
“I felt like we were being celebrated in Guisborough, but just tolerated in Kirkbymoorside,” he said.
Joseph added: “Unfortunately you can’t please everyone.”
Despite this, however, the director said he will “always be grateful to Kirkbymoorside to get a foot on the ladder”, adding “we do really appreciate the people that did celebrate us".
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He gave thanks to the Kendal family, Nick and Dianne of Moorside Stores, Ritchie Allen, Mr Shaw and Louise Madd, and the business’ customers for their support.
Speaking on the prospect of reopening in Kirkbymoorside, Joseph said, “we wouldn’t want to encourage anyone to hold their breath”, but added that he would not rule it out.
He did, however, say “it won’t be the last that the people of Ryedale hear of Smokin’ Joe’s”, adding “we just want to make sure that we have the logistics and blueprint” ready.
A fan of the business was Kirkbymoorside artist Rob Temple, who gifted the bar and grill a drawing to celebrate their presence in the town.
Joseph said that, following the closure, he now plans to display this artwork in Guisborough.
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Rob said: “It’s shame it has shut down in Kirkbymoorside – Guisborough is a little far out for me.”
He added that the bar and grill did the “best burger in town”.
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