Gourmet Burger Kitchen will be axing 26 restaurants and 326 jobs in an attempt to save the wider workforce.
As reported by Sky News, the chain will continue to operate in 35 sites with the remaining 669 jobs, however, 26 restaurants will be sold to Ranjit Boparan.
Earlier this year, Boparan rescued the Carluccio’s chain and also owns Giraffe, Ed’s Easy Diner, and Fishworks.
Deloitte is handling the administration process for Gourmet Burger Kitchen and said: “As with a number of dining businesses, the broader challenges facing ‘bricks and mortar’ operators, combined with the effect of the lockdown, resulted in a deterioration in financial performance and a material funding requirement.”
The news comes as much of the UK has been forced into a second lockdown – risking many jobs in the hospitality sector.
Since March, companies in the casual dining sector including Wagamama and Prezzo have resorted to insolvency processes, auctions, or emergency fundraisings.