Restaurant that defended autistic waiter forced to close
A Manchester restaurant which caused a social media storm earlier this year after taking to Facebook to defend an autistic waiter, has been forced to close its doors.
The closure was announced to Grenache's customers on the restaurant's Facebook site last week.
Founder Mike Jennings said he had been forced to close the 2 AA Rosette restaurant in Walkden, Manchester, because the site, which has room for only 11 tables, was too small. He said: "We have outgrown the building and it is impossible for us to continue our concept there without some serious investment in the kitchen."
Jennings, who opened the restaurant in 2014 with partner Karen Devaney, said he was "hearbroken" describing the closure as "devastating". He said most staff members had found employment and appealed for anyone with hospitality jobs to come forward to help staff members that have yet to find work.
Grenache triggered a social media storm in March this year when Jennings took to Facebook to defend one of his staff, Mike Foster, who is autistic, after some customers had complained and questioned why Jennings would employ someone with autism. Jennings said he was astonished by their attitude. His post went viral, resulting in thousands of messages of support for his stance.
Menuwatch - Grenache, Manchester >>
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