- The celebrity chef currently has 12 Jamie’s in the UK and another 28 overseas
- Last year he closed six, blaming the pound’s collapse after vote to leave the EU
- Further closures approved today by 95 per cent of creditors, including landlords
Jamie Oliver is to close 12 of his restaurants, putting more than 200 jobs at risk, after a restructuring plan devised by the celebrity chef was pushed through by creditors.
The closures are part of a Company Voluntary Arrangement, which will allow Italian chain Jamie’s to secure rent reductions on the remaining estate and exit unprofitable stores.
Staff are currently going through a consultation period, although the company will attempt to place some of those affected in other parts of Mr Oliver’s restaurant empire. There are currently 25 Jamie’s in the UK and 28 overseas.
Jamie Oliver is closing 12 more restaurants, putting more than 200 jobs at risk amid lower footfall and the pound’s collapse
Mr Oliver closed six restaurants last year, blaming a combination of rising Brexit cost pressures and tough trading.
His chain was stung by the collapse of the pound – which ramped up the cost of buying ingredients from Italy – as well as staff costs and lower footfall.
Today 95 per cent of creditors, including landlords, voted in favour of the deal.
The company said in a statement: ‘We are pleased to have received the overwhelming support from our creditors for our proposal to reshape Jamie’s Italian restaurants.
Today 95 per cent of creditors – including landlords – voted in favour of further closures
‘We have a strong brand and are focused on continuing to deliver the levels of service, taste and the experience our loyal customers deserve.
‘We are working hard to ensure that our estate is fit for the current trading environment and we feel confident that this newly shaped business will provide strong opportunities for growth and profitability.’
Mr Oliver’s chain is the latest in a long line of high street firms to rapidly decline, with Byron and Prezzo also undergoing painful restructurings involving store closures and job losses.