Chains shut down all UK restaurants as gov't tackles COVID-19
Some brands initially shifted to a takeaway model before Parliament’s move to implement a lockdown.
Chain restaurants across the country have temporarily closed all their shops, including their takeaway services, as the UK government ordered a three-week lockdown to minimise the spread of COVID-19.
Greggs, McDonald’s, Subway, KFC and Nando’s are just some of the top multi-site restaurant brands that have made this decision in view of public safety.
“We will continue supporting our colleagues with full contract hours for as long as we are able although we will need to keep this under review as the situation develops,” CEO Roger Whiteside said, adding that they will continue to provide support to local communities by distributing any remaining unsold food and offering support for those in hardship through the Greggs Foundation.
Greggs also expects to remove £45 million from this year's planned capital expenditure programme.
“We have not taken this decision lightly and know that our restaurants have been playing an important role in the community providing hundreds of thousands of free drinks to frontline health and social workers and emergency services personnel,” McDonald’s CEO for UK and Ireland Paul Pomroy said.
"We believe this is the best thing to help support social distancing," Subway UK & Ireland Colin Hughes said.
“We have decided that the best course of action right now is to temporarily close our restaurants until further notice,” Nando’s said in a Facebook post.
KFC said on Twitter: "We’re committed to doing this in the right way and are focused on closing responsibly - to prepare our restaurant teams, help our suppliers and minimise food waste."
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement to “stay at home” was preceded by last Friday’s enforced closure of restaurants, pubs, and cafes across the country.
Some chains have announced operational adjustments prior to the government’s lockdown announcement earlier this week.
Pret A Manger initially moved to a takeaway-only model in shops prior eventually deciding to close all shops by 22 March. It will also reportedly cut staff working hours and pay by a quarter across its 550 branches.
Dishoom announced that it will close all outlets to diners, and that it will postpone the launch of its Birmingham site.
Before it closed all outlets, Ole & Steen intended to support nurses, doctors and other emergency services staff, including the Armed Forces, by giving free hot drinks until end-March.
Likewise, Carluccio’s said it would be supporting NHS staff with a 50% discount off food and drink in its restaurants and in takeaway orders before its succeeding announcement of temporarily closing all stores.
On its last day before closing, Itsu's teams made over 1500 boxes of fresh sushi and salad using all the ingredients in their kitchens and had delivered them to NHS staff at some hospitals.
Qoot Restaurant Group, whose portfolio includes By Chloe and The Gentleman Baristas, will be offering complimentary meals to all school children currently eligible to free meals in light of announced school closures.
Other brands that have closed all shops include Patisserie Valerie, PAUL, Feng Sushi, PizzaExpress, Tortilla, The Hummingbird Bakery, Homeslice, Kiss The Hippo, Honest Burgers, Pho, Farmer J and HOP.
