£3m Birmingham restaurant Rofuto closes its doors
The 120-cover Japanese-style restaurant launched on the 16th floor of the city’s Park Regis Hotel in April 2016, but shut for good on 23 January.
The Birmingham Mail reports that hotel had entered a consultation period regarding the future of the restaurant earlier this month after struggling with inconsistent trade at the start of the week.
Twelve of the 18 staff have lost their jobs as a result of the closure, while six have accepted alternative roles within the hotel.
A statement on Rofuto’s social media accounts said: “For just short of two years, we’ve been shaking up Birmingham’s culinary scene but unfortunately, today sees last orders for Rofuto as we close our doors for the final time.
“A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who has dined, drank and danced on the 16th floor with us…we’ve loved hosting you and showcasing the best Pan-Asian food around. Cheers for the memories, and thank you from the team at Rofuto.”
Rofuto – meaning ‘loft’ in Japanese – had 360 degree views of Birmingham, a cocktail lounge and sake bar.
The Park Regis said in a statement that it was likely the space will be repurposed as a meetings and conference facility.
McDonald was head chef at The Ivy before swapping the kitchen for the boardroom to become managing director and group CEO of Caprice Holdings – overseeing Soho House and the Birley Group – for 12 years.
He launched his first solo venture The Fish & Chip Shop (later Vintage Salt) in 2013 and went on to open Holborn Dining Room at Rosewood London and consulted on a number of restaurant launches.
Rofuto’s closure follows a string of restaurants shutting their doors this month, including the Galvin brothers’ Bistrot de Luxe, 8 Hoxton Square in London, and Birmingham’s Turners at 69.
In the casual dining sector Jamie’s Italian is planning to shut 12 sites, while Byron is considering a restructure as part of a review of the business.
