Kray Treadwell's 670 Grams faces uncertain future

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The Staff Canteen

670 Grams has openly shared its struggles with staying afloat in the current culinary climate.

Kray Treadwell is the owner of 670 Grams, a restaurant in Birmingham, named after his daughter who was born prematurely at 23 weeks.

He has worked in establishments such as Purnell’s in Birmingham and Michelin-starred restaurant The Man Behind the Curtain in Leeds.

It is described as ‘an extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency.’

The 16-cover venue is located in the custard factory in the former industrial area of Digbeth.

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Recently, the restaurant has admitted its struggles, a post on social media read: “The next few months is looking very bleak for the restaurant. We are not seeing the same amount of guests coming into and booking the restaurant .

“This is very concerning for the future of 670 grams and hoping we can turn it around but this can only happen from bums on seats and drinks in glasses.

“We need your support use it or lose it . We are open Thursday - Saturday for lunch & dinner . Also open the last Sunday of every month . We have 3 menu offerings priced at £50, £75 & £105.”

Speaking to Kray directly about the challenges, he said: "People don't understand the VAT that we have to pay, what we actually have to pay... Fish and meat now, everything’s obviously through the roof.

“Unless you’re in the industry, you don’t understand how much it takes to run a successful business.

"We wanted a restaurant where people in the industry - who can't really afford to eat out at fancy places - could still enjoy a great meal at a fair price.

“When I want to spend time with my family, we end up going out to dinner but I feel like it isn’t reciprocated at my restaurant.”

Speaking on the future of 670 Grams, Kray added: "It’s not a dire situation but it just depends on how big your ego is, I can keep going for the next six months to a year and lose money. But then I’d have nothing to show for the last five years... You're supposed to have a business that works for yourself and for everyone else."

"Even when you're busy, it’s still a struggle. You’ve got to make up for the quiet hours and the extra staff costs. It’s always touch and go, and it’s not nice. It’s not even good for morale. The vibe’s just weird when it’s like that.”

Kray also mentioned that 670 Grams has significantly cut the price of their dishes to accommodate customers: "We have a six-course menu that’s £50. I understand people are struggling, but I feel like most people could afford that. I think it’s fair for what we offer. You’re not going to come in here and spend £800 for dinner — you could have dinner for three people, with drinks, for £150. I don’t think that’s bad at all."

Kray won the Michelin Guide 2021 Young Chef of the Year Award, highlighting his talent and potential in the culinary world.

670 Grams is also listed in the Michelin Guide.

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The Staff Canteen

Editor 14th March 2025

Kray Treadwell's 670 Grams faces uncertain future

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