The famous Chinese-owned restaurant group Pizza Express revealed last night in a statement that it will close 73 restaurant branches across the UK. The branches will close as part of a plan to restructure its estates.

The chain, which has over 470 restaurants across the UK and 100 overseas in Europe, Hong Kong, China, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, The Philippines, The United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Saudi Arabia had already been struggling before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world.

The company’s statement explained that although the majority of its restaurants were profitable before lockdown was imposed, earnings had been declining across the Pizza Express estate for the last three years. It added that the reduction in revenue caused by the enforced closure of all restaurants as well as the cost of reopening and the UK’s uncertain economic future meant its rental costs were no longer sustainable. These new closures are thought to impact 1,100 members of staff.

Pizza Express, which is owned by Chinese firm Hony Capital, also confirmed it had hired advisers from Lazard to lead a sale process for the business.

Aberdeen – Belmont Street

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Biggleswade

Billericay

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Birmingham – Mailbox

Bournemouth – Post Office Road

Bramhall

Bristol – Berkeley Square

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