Vegan burger restaurant brand Frost Burgers collapses into administration after its Liverpool and Manchester outlets ceased trading. Tony McDonough reports

Soaring energy and ingredients costs has seen a popular vegan burger brand collapse into administration.

Frost Burgers was founded in 2018, by social media influencer Monami Frost. With outlets in Wood Street in Liverpool, and in Manchester, it offered an 100% plant-based menu, serving burgers, fries and milkshakes.

Last year its turnover topped half a million pounds. It had gained an avid fan base, reaching more than 64,000 followers on Instagram. Frost was voted within the top 50 burger places in the UK by Big 7 Travel.

And the business also received the top-rated award from Happy Cow, an online review service for vegan, vegetarian and healthy food. However, rising costs presented an uphill challenge and in September both outlets closed their doors.

Paul Stanley and Jason Greenhalgh of Begbies Traynor were appointed as joint administrators of Frost Burgers Limited on October 7. They are now looking for someone to buy the leases and the assets including ready-made commercial kitchens.

READ MORE: Surge in Merseyside hospitality vacancies

Paul, North West regional managing partner at Begbies, said: “Despite gaining an excellent reputation, Frost Burgers has become just one of the many businesses within the hospitality sector that have experienced financial distress.

“Restaurants in particular, are struggling to afford raw ingredients and many are struggling with their energy bills.

“The hospitality sector is also taking a huge hit from labour shortages as well as debts accrued over lockdowns, including bounce back loans. It is likely that more restaurants will find themselves in a similar position as we progress towards the end of 2022.

According to the latest Red Flag Alert data produced by Begbies Traynor, almost 2,000 bars and restaurants (1,961) in the North West are operating under significant financial distress.