Customers have reacted with sadness after the owners of popular restaurant Smak! the Polish Kitchen put the business up for sale for health reasons.
The owners of the Kirkstall Road restaurant “reluctantly” put the business on the market and said in a statement on Facebook today:
“A popular, busy and award winning bistro cafe (Good Food Award 2020, TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice 2020 and 2021) situated in a prominent location on one of the main arteries in Leeds, just five minutes from the city centre (with ample, free customer parking).
“Smak! is a pioneer in Polish cuisine, presenting a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes such that it retains a stable and returning customer base, while also continuing to draw guests locally, and from across the country.
“With an established brand and reputation, this opportunity presents significant growth potential.
“This is a reluctant sale brought about by the owners personal health issues.”
The announcement has been met by dozens of comments on social media wishing the owners well. One commenter said:
“So sorry to hear this – you guys are some of the loveliest people I know and your food is sensational too. you will be greatly missed.”
Another customer said:
“So sorry to hear this, all the best for a speedy recovery, you will be sorely missed – by far the best food on Kirkstall Road!”
And another added:
“Very sorry to hear your news.. we’ve had some wonderful food from Smak over the last few years, both in the restaurant and as deliveries during lockdowns. Wishing you all the very best for good health and for the future.”
The restaurant, which marked its third anniversary just last week, serves Polish cuisine with a contemporary twist, pierogi, kielbasa and other classics, all produced in-house.
Anyone interested in buying the business should e-mail monica@smakdeli.com.