Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has announced his UK restaurant group has collapsed.
A ‘devastated’ and ‘deeply saddened’ Oliver issued a statement on Twitter, confirming Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group entered administration on Tuesday.
I’m devastated that our much-loved UK restaurants have gone into administration. I am deeply saddened by this outcome and would like to thank all of the people who have put their hearts and souls into this business over the years. Jamie Oliver
— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) May 21, 2019
“I am deeply saddened by this outcome and would like to thank all of the staff and our suppliers who have put their hearts and souls into this business for over a decade,” said Oliver. “I appreciate how difficult this is for everyone affected. I would also like to thank all the customers who have enjoyed and supported us over the last decade, it’s been a real pleasure serving you.”
KPMG have been appointed as administrators of the group, which comprises 22 Jamie’s Italian restaurants and the Fifteen and Barbecoa outlets.
The collapse of the group has resulted in more than 1000 job losses, but three locations in Gatwick airport will remain in operation while administrators find a buyer.
“I appreciate how difficult this is for everyone affected,” said Oliver. “We launched Jamie’s Italian in 2008 with the intention of positively disrupting mid-market dining in the UK high street, with great value and much higher quality ingredients, best-in-class animal welfare standards and an amazing team who shared my passion for great food and service. And we did exactly that.”
The group’s international operations and Fifteen at Cornwall will not be impacted by the administration.
In 2018, Oliver lost control of his Australian restaurant group, with Hallmark Group saving the Jamie’s Italian portfolio after a last-minute sale.