weeks short of its first anniversary.

But part-owner Mr. John Roach said the 165-seat restaurant would "definitely reopen'' next February after undergoing "extensive'' renovations.

"We're changing the concept, changing the name and making structural alterations,'' said Mr. Roach, who would not give further details.

Asked why renovations are being carried out during the height of the season, he said: "There's a lot of work that needs to be done so we can re-open on time.

"We're all very excited about the changes. It must be something really good if we're closing in August.'' The renovation of a building which is only a year old may be a sign Shutters failed to capture the interest of the public.

"Business has been OK but not great,'' said Mr. Roach. "We've done as well as a lot of other restaurants but we need to do better because we're quite big.'' At its peak, Shutters employed 35 staff, with several of the waitresses coming from the United States.

Some Bermudians have been given jobs at Mr. Roach's other restaurants, Rosa's Cantina, the Bombay Bicycle Club and Chopsticks.

Others will have be offered their old jobs back when the restaurant reopens, said Mr. Roach.

Shutters opened during the height of the recession and was run as an American bistro-type diner on the lines of the TGI Friday chain in the US.

After a promising start, custom appeared to drop off significantly and some non-Bermudian waitresses soon lost their jobs.

The building, located next to the Hog Penny Restaurant, on Burnaby Street, is owned by liquor firm Gosling's.

It is managed by a company owned by Mr. Roach, his wife, Pamela, and Mr. Tony Duggan, whose business interests include part-ownership of The Oasis night club.