A STROUD chip shop which opened earlier this year is to shut permanently with the 'devastated owner' citing rising energy and industry costs.
The fish and chips outlet Valley Fryer opened in Merrywalks, Stroud in January, transforming the former bus station kiosk next to Vue Cinema.
Owner Jordan Butler-Allen made the decision to close the unit on Saturday, just four months after it opened.
We tried fish and chips at the outlet after it opened in January.
Speaking to the SNJ, owner Mr Butler-Allen said: "I am absolutely devastated.
"To the wonderful people of Stroud, the tough decision has been made to close The Valley Fryer.
"I have been working on this business for best part of two years now and initially was meant to open the doors back in September 2021.
"As my first business it has been a learning curve I will not forget.
"Many issues and obstacles caused delays and ultimately resulted in my opening in January instead.
"The rising costs within the industry mixed with the rising cost of energy have made building the business up incredibly hard.
"It has been a true pleasure to gain regular customers and welcome new customers through the doors and be able to meet so many wonderful characters.
"I want to thank the whole team from the Five Valleys Shopping Centre for the support they have offered since taking on the store.
"I look forward to seeing the completion of the shopping centre and wish them all the best.
"I also want to thank my incredible team who have been a pleasure to work with."
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