Pizza Hut to Close 68 Locations as UK Owner Enters Administration

Pizza Hut is set to close 68 of its restaurants in the United Kingdom following the administration of its owner, DC London Pie. The company called in administrators from FTI Consulting, marking a significant setback for the brand’s operations in the region.

In a pivotal move, FTI Consulting announced that it had reached a rescue agreement with Yum! Brands, the global owner of the Pizza Hut brand. Under this deal, Yum! Brands will acquire 64 of the affected locations, which represents nearly half of the Pizza Hut restaurants in the UK. This acquisition is expected to save approximately 1,276 jobs, providing some relief to employees facing uncertainty.

Despite the acquisition, hundreds of workers remain at risk of redundancy as the future of the remaining restaurants hangs in the balance. Nicolas Burquier, the managing director of Pizza Hut Europe and Canada, stated that the primary goal of the agreement is to “protect jobs where possible.” He emphasized that the immediate focus is on ensuring operational continuity at the locations being acquired, as well as supporting employees throughout this transition.

The announcement has raised concerns among staff and customers alike. Many employees have expressed anxiety about the potential closures, while loyal customers are left questioning the future availability of their favorite pizza outlets.

As the situation develops, both employees and the management will be keenly observing how the new ownership will impact service and employment conditions at the remaining Pizza Hut outlets. The company has stated its commitment to maintaining a stable working environment for its staff during this challenging time.

In summary, the closure of 68 Pizza Hut locations in the UK signals a turbulent period for the brand, but the acquisition of 64 sites by Yum! Brands offers a glimmer of hope for job preservation amidst significant operational changes.