Papa Johns has announced it will close 43 of its UK restaurants, nearly a tenth of its total sites, following a review that identified them as 'no longer financially viable'. The closures affect locations across England, including Harrogate, St Helens, Billericay, and Eastbourne.
The US-owned chain, which operates 450 restaurants plus outlets in service stations and holiday parks, has not disclosed how many jobs will be affected. UK managing director Chris Phylactou stated: 'Our priority is our team members, who will be fully supported throughout this process. Our goal is to work with impacted team members and attempt to find redeployment opportunities where available.'
Despite the closures, the takeaway sector is generally booming, according to consultancy PwC. Senior retail adviser Kien Tan noted: 'It's a good sector to be in, albeit that there's a lot more competition as others open. There's increasing consumer demand for takeaway and for takeaway outlets.'
Papa Johns said the closures are part of a strategy to free up money for investment and improve profitability at remaining UK sites. The chain plans to expand into non-traditional locations like holiday parks and expects to announce 'other large retail partners in the coming months'.
Separately, Revolution Bars has warned it could sell 'all or part of the group' after reports suggested it might close about 20 bars, roughly a quarter of its outlets. The company said it is exploring strategic options due to 'external challenges' affecting trading, and is in talks with key shareholders about raising extra funds.
