Pizza Hut has announced the closure of 68 dine-in restaurants across the UK, including a location in Somerset, after the company operating its venues here, DC London Pie, entered administration. In addition, 11 delivery-only outlets will also be shut as part of a major restructuring effort. This move places 1,210 employees at risk of losing their jobs.
DC London Pie, the firm managing Pizza Hut’s UK dine-in outlets, appointed administrators from corporate finance specialists FTI on Monday. This development occurs less than a year after the business acquired the chain from insolvency procedures, as reported by Bristol Live.
In a bid to stabilize the brand in the UK market, Yum! Brands—the American hospitality giant that owns Pizza Hut globally—has completed a pre-pack administration acquisition of the UK restaurant business. This deal will allow 64 restaurants to remain open and secure the employment of 1,277 staff members.
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Nicolas Burquier, Managing Director of Pizza Hut Europe and Canada, stated: “This targeted acquisition aims to safeguard our guest experience and protect jobs where possible. Our immediate priority is operational continuity at the acquired locations and supporting colleagues through the transition.”
The administration follows a winding-up petition lodged by HM Revenue & Customs against DC London Pie approximately six weeks ago. DC London Pie was formed earlier this year after Directional Capital, operators of franchises in Sweden and Denmark, bought 139 UK Pizza Hut outlets from the previous franchisee, Heart with Smart Limited.