Nine North West venues closed as 1,900 jobs axed
Nine North West restaurants are to close as part of a wider jobs cull after Casual Dining Group called in administrators.
Some 1,900 of the company’s 6,000 staff have lost their jobs immediately.
Casual Dining Group owns the Bella Italia, Belgo, Cafe Rouge and Las Iguanas brands – among others – and the job losses come amid another brutal week for the high street.
The following North West sites have closed:
- Bella Italia: Blackpool Church, Crewe, Didsbury, Manchester Deansgate, Manchester Piccadilly, New Brighton
- Café Rouge: Chester, Trafford Centre
- Las Iguanas: Chester
Chief executive of the group, James Spragg, said: “After reviewing all our options with advisers, it became clear that we needed to take this action in order to protect the business and secure the best possible future for Casual Dining Group as we look to conclude a potential sale.”
Administrator, Clare Kennedy, from Alix Partners, said: “We appreciate that this is an extremely difficult time for all those associated with Casual Dining Group.
“Our immediate priorities are to assist those whose employment has been affected by today’s announcement and to secure a sale for the group in order to protect jobs and provide the group’s much-loved brands with a sustainable platform for the future.”
