THE owner of a popular Denton restaurant has revealed it could close within weeks as he launches a personal mission to turn the business around.
Sweet Diner, on Hyde Road, has become known for its American-inspired food, burgers, loaded fries, desserts and extravagant milkshakes during more than a decade of trading.
But owner Jay Ullah has now revealed the independent business is facing an uncertain future – and says he is giving himself just 30 days to revive its fortunes.
In a candid video shared on TikTok, Jay said: “In the next 30 days, I might have to close down Sweet Diner, and I can only blame myself for it.
“We’ve had immense highs in this building. We’ve been here since 2016. We’ve had our highs and lows.
“I thought everything was done. So for the next 30 days, you’re gonna see everything. I’m gonna build this business back up exactly how I did 14 years ago.”
Rather than attempting to turn things around from behind the scenes, Jay says customers will see him working across every part of the restaurant.
He added: “I’m not just going to be behind a desk. I’m going to be here every single day rebuilding Sweet Diner to its former glory.
“I’ll be here serving tables, in the kitchen if I need to be, doing deliveries, giving customers what they loved coming here all those years.
“I’ll be in the dessert section making the best milkshakes that we’re known for. And let’s take it back, man. This place deserves it.”
Sweet Diner’s roots stretch back to Sweet Express, a takeaway business launched in 2013.
The concept subsequently developed into Sweet Diner, with the restaurant opening in Denton in the middle of the decade.
It has remained independent and locally owned, offering a 100 per cent halal menu with smashed burgers, loaded fries, shakes and desserts among its specialities.
Now Jay hopes going back to the hands-on approach which helped establish the business will secure its future.
“I don’t want it to close in 30 days,” he said. “It’s got too much history, so I’m gonna make sure I make it work.
“So follow the journey and help me revive Sweet Diner.”
Jay has said he intends to document the turnaround attempt over the coming month, giving customers a behind-the-scenes look at his efforts to keep the Hyde Road restaurant open.