Family favourite restaurant chain shuts branch after mass closures

27 May 2024 , 17:35
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The parent company announced plans to shut 18 sites across the UK
The parent company announced plans to shut 18 sites across the UK

A FAMILY-owned restaurant chain has shut another one of its stores for good after its parent company announced plans to restructure its operations.

The Italian restaurant, Wildwood, in Nottingham City Centre is one of 18 sites set to shut across the UK.

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A family-owned restaurant has closed one its branches for goodCredit: Getty
Wildwood in Nottingham City Centre is one of 18 sites set to shut across the UK
Wildwood in Nottingham City Centre is one of 18 sites set to shut across the UKCredit: Supplied

Fans of the restaurant chain were greeted with signs on the window which said: "We have to say goodbye.

"Thank you to all who have supported us over the years."

The restaurant was still getting top reviews before the branch's closure.

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One customer who took his family to the chain: "Absolutely fantastic service."

"The food is delicious," said another.

While a third added: "The food is delicious and the staff very helpful and friendly."

Tasty, who owns Wildwood and Dim T Asain restaurants, announced more than a dozen eateries would shut following a "challenging" start to the year.

At the time, a company spokesperson said: "We understand the impact of these difficult decisions but unfortunately they represent the steps needed to navigate a path through the challenges which are prevalent in our industry specifically, and the economy in general."

"We are confident that the changes will ensure the long-term viability of the company and will protect the employment of the majority of our staff."

Tasty added that they will focus on getting the best out of their remaining stores.

A spokesperson for Wildwood said: "The use of a restructuring plan is considered the most effective means to reorganise the group to return it to profitability and secure its long-term future which should change the financial viability, profitability profile and long-term prospects of the group."

The company has removed the Nottingham restaurant from their website.

The family-owned chain is still serving pizza, pasta and grilled dishes in three midland restaurants - Lioncoln, Hinckley and Rushden Lakes.

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What else is happening in the hospitality industry?

Tasty isn't the only chain which has struggled in recent times.

Food and drink chains in general have been suffering in recent months as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.

Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.

Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores by next month.

Papa Johns currently operates 524 locations in the UK, which are a mixture of owned stores and franchises.

Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.

In January 2023, Byron Burger fell into administration, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.

Italian dining chain Prezzo revealed plans to shut 46 restaurants back in April due to soaring energy and food costs, putting 810 jobs at risk.

In January 2024 many restaurants just did not reopen after Christmas.

Marco Pierre White's restaurant Mr White's Steak, Pizza and Gin House, located in London's iconic West End, closed indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Cardiff also permanently shut.

Ex-masterchef finalist Tony Rodd was also forced to close his restaurant Copper & Ink earlier this month after he reportedly received a "terrifying" £80,000 energy bill.

Also, other chains have been forced to put expansion plans on hold.

Hostmore, the owner of restaurant chain TGI Fridays and 63rd+1st has said that it will no longer open any new restaurants until at least 2025, after confirming a drop in earnings.

Caffè Nero, which launched in the UK in 1997, pulled down the shutters on half a dozen sites in 2023 in a blow to caffeine lovers.

It is not just the hospitality industry, high street retailers have been shutting at an alarming rate.

Meanwhile, a major coffee chain with 2,000 branches is pulling down the shutters on an "exceptional" store in days.

Plus, Superdry is set to close a branch in Dundee this month in another blow to the British high street.

Karim Camara

Nottingham, London, England, Store closings, jobs, Food and drink, Cost of living

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