Jamie's Business Collapse

CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurant group has collapsed into administration. So what went wrong?

- Mark Wasserman

THE Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group announced recently that it had gone into administration. “Most of its locations are closing immediately, taking more than 1 000 jobs with them,” reports Fortune, adding that accounting firm KPMG’s insolvency team will handle the process. Oliver took to social media to announce his ‘devastation’ over the news, as well as to thank those who had supported his restaurant ventures.

“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,” he tweeted.

Those shutting down include 23 Jamie’s Italian eateries across the UK, as well as Barbecoa steakhouse and Fifteen restaurant in London.

The three Jamie Oliver restaurants at England’s Gatwick Airport, as well as international franchises such as Jamie’s Italian in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, will remain open.