Wreck will serve its final service on Sunday 4 October before closing for a short changeover period. Open Restaurant Group will retain the existing team in full, with no job losses, before introducing a new concept at the Ropewalks site.
The acquisition takes Open Restaurant Group’s portfolio to nine sites. The group, founded by chef Andrew Sheridan and Sam Morgan, recently opened Arcadian in Didsbury and also operates Noted in Chester, Sow at the Netherwood Estate and Dishes in Prestatyn. It is also due to open Counter in Manchester in October.
The group already operates 8 in Liverpool, Sheridan’s flagship restaurant, alongside Daise in Oxton.
“Wreck has been such an important part of our journey over the years, so choosing the right people to take it forward was really important to us,” says Usher.
“Following the success of the Hispi acquisition, we know Andy and the Open Restaurant Group team will give Wreck the same care and attention, and importantly, they’ve shown that they understand how important the people behind a restaurant are by retaining the existing team.
“I’m really excited to see what they do with the site and know it’s going to be in good hands.”
Sam Morgan, chief executive of Open Restaurant Group, adds: “We’d like to pay tribute to Gary and his team for everything they’ve created with Wreck.
“It’s become a much-loved part of Liverpool’s independent restaurant scene and we’re very conscious of the responsibility that comes with taking on a restaurant with that history.
“This is another really exciting step for Open Restaurant Group. Liverpool is an important part of our story and we’re looking forward to bringing a new chapter to this brilliant site.”
The Ropewalks site opened as Wreckfish in 2017 following a crowdfunding campaign and was renamed Wreck in 2023. It formed part of Usher’s Elite Bistros group, which also includes Sticky Walnut, The White Horse and Usher’s Bakehouse.