Britain's Casual Dining Group (CDG), which operates restaurant chains Café Rouge, Bella Italia and Las Iguanas, has said that it has appointed administrators and will permanently close 91 sites immediately with the loss of 1,909 jobs.
The company, which had employed nearly 6,000 people across 250 sites, said that the move will enable it to negotiate with landlords ahead of an expected sale of the business.
The closures add to the thousands of jobs that have been lost on Britain's high streets in recent days from companies hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown, including the owner of food outlet Upper Crust.
"Acutely Aware" Of Duty To Employees
CDG chief executive James Spragg said that he is "acutely aware" of the group's duty to employees and recognises that it is a difficult time for them.
"Working alongside the administrators, we will do everything we can to support them through this process with a view to preserving as much employment as we are able to," he said.
Joint administrator Clare Kennedy of Alix Partners said that the immediate priorities will be to assist those who have lost their jobs and to secure a sale for the group in order to protect other roles.
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