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UK dining chain files notice of administration, risking 6,000 jobs

21st May 202021st May 2020 The Times

The private equity-backed operator of the Las Iguanas and Café Rouge chains is set to undergo a painful restructuring after filing a notice of its intention to appoint administrators, which could threaten more than 6,000 jobs. The Casual Dining Group, which also owns the Bella Italia brand, said that the “prudent measure” would give it time to consider its options and did not necessarily presage administration. Nevertheless, restaurant closures and job losses seem inevitable. One industry analyst with knowledge of the situation said: “A restructuring could involve either a company…

Server with surgical mask. Photo by David Emrich on Unsplash

UKHospitality launches industry roadmap for safe reopening

20th May 202020th May 2020 The Caterer

UKHospitality has called on government to support a safe and sustainable reopening for restaurants, pubs and hotels this summer through its #Fair4Hospitality campaign. Launched today, the campaign covers four key areas: Wellbeing: Endorse the sector’s best-practice protocols and risk assessments for a Covid-secure restart; Workers: Ensure the furlough scheme is retained at full rate for hospitality until businesses successfully restart; Communities: Regulate to provide a ‘National Time Out’ on rent payments for the remainder of the year and a solution to address debt and costs for business; Consumers: Cut the…

EAT outlet on Charing Cross Rd. Image: Wikipedia

High street staple food chain closes permanently

31st March 20201st April 2020 OzSeeker

Struggling sandwich chain Eat has announced the permanent closure of its remaining 90 sites, after 24 years of operation. The grab and go concept first opened in London in 1996, the brainchild of husband and wife team Niall and Faith MacArthur. The brand’s first location opened next to Charing Cross tube station in central London but went on to open scores of branches in the capital and around the UK. The decision to permanently close follows the acquisition of Eat by rival chain Pret a Manger in May 2019, which bought the company with a view to use it as a way…