The business’ coffee shop in New Road, Brighton, closed in October after deciding not to sign a new lease.
Owner Fabio Lauro said they were offered a free rent period by a landlord for the New Road site from 2020, as well as a site in St James’ Street, also in the city, but opted not to sign a long lease.
It was replaced by an Asian restaurant called Longrain Theatre which has been at the site since October.
Fabio said Longrain has paid for all the furnishings and fittings inside the restaurant. Wolfox also supplies its coffee.
Longrain Theatre which opened in New Road in October (Image: The Argus)
The 41-year-old told The Argus: “During the lockdown, we were offered the sites on St James’s Street and New Road by the same landlord.
“We agreed three years for each venue and our plan was never to expand the Wolfox brand as much, but at that time when the lockdown started, it gave us the opportunity to sell our coffee across the city, support the local communities and give our staff a job, rather than them be let go.
“As the landlord had concerns over possible squatters and general damages within the venues, he offered to us on a free rent basis for 18 months provided we did ongoing repairs etc.
“I am forever grateful to landlords that have supported our efforts and visions, given us the opportunity to occupy empty properties since Covid and subsequently we have met so many beautiful people on the journey.”
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The New Road site, known as Wolfox Chapters, closed because the business did not want to be there long term, said Fabio.
He also said he wants the Wolfox brand to “focus on coffee rather than brunch and cooked food” in Brighton.
Wolfox closed its St James’ Street outlet in January this year.
Fabio said they plan to open a “smaller and sustainable speciality coffee venue” at The Level this month. The business also opened its Brodwolf Bakery in Portland Road, Hove, back in October.
Wolfox first opened a cafe in Leeds back in February 2018 after Fabio said he sold his shares in Trading Post Coffee Roasters six months before.
It then started opening outlets across the city and as of December last year opened a coffee shop in Madrid, Spain.
It is also opening a Wolfox restaurant in Savoy Court in Covent Garden, London, this month which is its first expansion to the capital.
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