A Caribbean-inspired restaurant has announced its shock closure with bosses saying it has been “impossible to stay afloat, let alone make a profit”.

Jerk N’ Tingz at St James retail park in Dover opened in November 2022 but bosses now say the doors will be closing for good.

In an online statement, owner and chef Matthew Omo-Bare said it has been a “bitter pill to swallow” but the ever-rising costs have meant they cannot go on.

“It is with great sadness that we announce that we are having to close Jerk n’ Tingz at St James retail park. There are sadly many reasons,” the statement began.

“Firstly the cost-of-living increases makes it impossible to stay there, with the prices of our produce and authentic ingredients going up by 63% than pre-Covid, as well as the ever-increasing bills on top of paying staff.

“Trying to pay the unfeasible target rent plus service charge for a small building with minimal footfall means it’s impossible to stay afloat let alone make a profit.

“It became apparent that regardless of how many people come through the door, the cost of our overheads, rent etc, makes it incredibly difficult to stay.

“It is with a heavy heart we have decided we can’t do any more than we have...”

“Coming to the conclusion that we can no longer keep it going has been a bitter pill to swallow.

“Whilst all this is going on, being threatened to be kicked out almost every month has added as a constant worry to the whole team so it is with a heavy heart we have decided we can’t do any more than we have.”

The business was first launched by owner Mr Bare in 2018 as a frozen food delivery service for Kent, but ambitions to open his own place led him to Dover, where he set up in London Road.

In August 2022, it came to light they would expand to open a second venue at St James retail park which would be a sit-down restaurant and offer a takeaway service while the London Road site would remain solely for deliveries.

Ahead of their opening, general manager Aimee Eyre said the restaurant would be different from other places in the town.

But, despite their sad decision to call it a day, bosses say it is not the end of Jerk N’ Tingz.

“In other news, we are extremely lucky to have the best support system and already have been approached with several affordable sites,” the statement continued.

“However, in the meantime, we will be at The Lord Nelson and have been lucky enough to supply our staff with job security.

“This is not the end of Jerk n’ Tingz, we are already booked with weddings, parties, and festival events and as well as that, we will be hosting Caribbean nights at our new venture, The Lord Nelson.

“We cannot thank everyone enough for the loyal support of Dover town as well as our visitors from all over.

“We are really going to miss it but we won’t be far.

“We are proud of what we achieved but as you can imagine feel sadness and our gutted over all the effort that was put into the restaurant, from our great builders, work team and of course loyal customers.

“Unfortunately, we can only do so much before something has got to give.”

Following the announcement, customers expressed their disappointment.

“Such a shame, but we'll see you in the Nelson,” one person wrote.

Another said: “Really sorry to hear this. I know how hard each of you guys work.

“Good luck for the shift over to the Nelson and look forward to hearing of your new ventures for 2024.”

One more wrote: “As previously said, such a shame all your hard work building your business.

“All the best though in your new premises, The Lord Nelson.”

Last year, KentOnline reviewed the restaurant and concluded chefs certainly knew how to cook their chicken.

“So the food is great, the atmosphere is great and so is the decor and the friendly staff answered every query or question about the menu,” our reviewer said.

“In truth, I'm definitely a Caribbean convert and will definitely be aiming to make way through the menu on future visits – the thought of goat curry is already getting my stomach rumbling.”