Owner overjoyed at restaurant resurgence

Alice CullinaneBBC News, West Midlands
News imageJackie Smith Customer sitting at a tableJackie Smith
Exo Poli in Shrewsbury sold out of food nearly every day in the past week, said the owner

A restaurant owner has said she was "thrilled" to see a resurgence in customers after posting on social media how her business was struggling.

Jackie Smith received hundreds of supportive messages after sharing photographs of her empty restaurant, Exo Poli, in Shrewsbury, on a Friday night.

Ms Smith said since then more than 30 people had queued outside the door to visit her fully-booked restaurant which she had never experienced before.

"It has been absolutely insane and it's lovely to be able to sell out of everything," she said.

Ms Smith said she now had many different events planned for her Mediterranean restaurant, from music evenings to Greek dancing.

News imageJackie Smith smiling at the camera
Jackie Smith praised the response from the community

After lockdown ended, Ms Smith noticed a continuous decline in customers as people started to visit other places.

However, she described the return of a bustling restaurant as truly fabulous.

"It's crazy busy, it's great to see happy, smiling people and receive really nice responses from customers," she added.

Staff member Molly said people had been so lovely and encouraging on social media which she really appreciated.

"Seeing the [social media post] blow up is absolutely wonderful because Jackie really deserves it," she said.

News imageOutside of Exo Poli
Jackie Smith has events and attractions planned, including Greek dancing

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