SOLIHULL’S Pizza Hut is set to close after the firm operating its UK restaurants entered administration.
The restaurant on Upper Jubilee Walk, Touchwood is one of 68 across the UK that weren’t saved by a last-minute rescue deal.
Administrators confirmed that the restaurant would be closing with immediate effect, with all those working for the chain being made redundant.
DC London Pie Ltd, the company formed to run Pizza Hut UK after a pre-pack deal, had appointed FTI as administrators on Monday.
On Monday, the joint administrators completed a sale of 64 dine-in restaurants to Pizza Hut UK via a pre-packaged administration, safeguarding 1,276 jobs.
However, 741 more jobs remained at risk as 68 dine-in restaurants weren’t part of the deal.
The restaurant was one of six across the West Midlands to close.
The other West Midlands restaurants to close are based in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Kidderminster, Shrewsbury, Hereford, and Dudley.
The administrators were named as Matthew Boyd Callaghan, Lindsay Kate Hallam, and Christopher Jon Bennett of FTI Consulting.
Their statement said: “It is with regret that the joint administrators also announce the closure of the remaining 68 dine-in restaurants and 11 delivery outlets with immediate effect. The joint administrators are working with the 1,210 affected employees who were unfortunately made redundant to support them at this difficult time.
“Like many casual dining businesses, DC has been impacted by challenging trading conditions and increased costs. In addition, it faced material cash flow pressures as a result of tax-related obligations.”
Matt Callaghan, joint administrator, added: “This transaction provides a stable platform for one of the UK’s best-known dine-in brands, securing the continuation of 64 Pizza Hut sites and, importantly, preserving 1,276 jobs. The joint administrators will continue to work with employees who have unfortunately been made redundant, to ensure they get the support needed.”
Nicolas Burquier, Managing Director Pizza Hut Europe and Canada, said: “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.”
