Ipswich's first fully vegan pub and restaurant has been saved just a few days after announcing its closure.
Hank's Dirty was initially a takeaway launched by Geoffrey Bligh and Phil Rivers in Lloyds Avenue.
It quickly expanded into a regional restaurant chain with venues in Ipswich's St Helen's Street, Felixstowe, Norwich, Colchester and Cambridge.
On Wednesday, bosses shared a statement explaining all Hank's except Cambridge would immediately cease trading after they were left "in a bankrupt situation" by an investment which was promised in early May but hadn't arrived.
"After five years, I've had to make the awful decision to stop trading," it said.
"My sincere thoughts are with our incredible team who've played such an important part of the business and who through no fault of their own have found themselves out of work.
"And with our customers who made Hank's such a wonderful place to work."
READ MORE: Ipswich man jailed for 40 months for stalking woman
However on Friday evening two members of staff named Shaun and Elora revealed they had saved the Ipswich branch.
They told the venue's Facebook followers: "Ipswich Hank's is back!
"After the devastating news of Hank's closing we (Shaun and Elora) have decided to take on Hank's Dirty in Ipswich!
"After both of us working for Hank's for the last four plus years we aren't ready to watch it leave.
"It has been a pleasure working for Geoff and Phil for the last few years and we have learned a lot.
"We have also worked with some great people who have helped build Hank's reputation over the years and we hope to keep that going.
"So from this Sunday (May 19) at 12pm Hank's Dirty Ipswich will be open as usual.
"Please come down and show your support - we look forward to seeing you all."
The news was met with an extremely positive reception from customers.
"Literally the best thing I've ever read," one commenter wrote.
Another added: "The very, very best of luck - I love Hanks, a place of refuge for every vegan wanting to eat out."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel