From the Oxford Brookes University News Archive
18/09/2019
Oxford Brookes University issues statement on the future of Brookes Restaurant.
“Following a formal consultation process and careful consideration, the University has taken the decision to close Brookes Restaurant at the end of the current academic year.
“Brookes Restaurant has maintained an excellent reputation over a number of years, reflecting the quality of its service. However, despite a number of initiatives over the past decade, the restaurant has consistently made a significant annual operating loss. Over the last four academic years the restaurant has lost an average of £280,000 per year on direct operating activities.
“Staff affected by the decision will continue to be fully supported, including exploring opportunities for alternative employment within the University.”
“A misconception which arose from those outside of the University during the consultation period was that Oxford Brookes teaches catering courses at undergraduate or postgraduate level, which is not the case. However, we remain committed to providing world class education which prepares students for successful careers in the international hospitality industry.
“Undergraduate hospitality management students already undertake placements outside of the University during their second year. Only 4 of the course’s 24 modules are directly associated with Brookes Restaurant and work is underway to ensure that alternative measures are put in place. Our ambition is to develop and expand our programmes in hospitality management and associated areas.
“The University recognises that members of the wider community have enjoyed using the Brookes Restaurant over many years and will be saddened by this announcement. As a publicly funded institution, however, the University ultimately has a duty to ensure that all of its activities are financially viable. Oxford Brookes continues to operate a wide range of catering outlets across its campuses which remain open for everyone to use.
“A proposed closure date for the restaurant has provisionally been set for 1 May 2020.”
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