Over 1,000 jobs could be at risk as PizzaExpress has announced it could close around 67 of its UK restaurants.
The chain is up for sale, with the move being blamed on the COVID-19 pandemic.
It says reducing the size of the business could help protect staff jobs.
A company voluntary arrangement restructuring deal may kick in which could result in the closure of 15% of its 449 UK restaurants, putting 1,100 jobs at risk.
However, Pizza Express said the final decision had yet to be made.
The company said: “This decision is a very difficult one; however, against the current unprecedented backdrop, Pizza Express believes reducing the size of its estate will help it to protect 9,000 jobs.”
Andy Pellington, group chief finance officer added: “While we have had to make some very difficult decisions, none of which has been taken lightly, we are confident in the actions being taken to reduce the level of debt, create a more focused business and improve the operational performance, all of which puts us in a much stronger position. We can now plan to invest in both our UK and Ireland and international businesses as well as support our teams as they return to work.”
All Pizza Express UK restaurants were closed on 23 March after the government ordered a nationwide lockdown, aimed at controlling the spread of the coronavirus.
