Ask Italian
Coverage of strategic developments at a prominent Italian eatery chain in the UK, focusing on franchise expansion, menu innovation (including plant-driven and regional Italian dishes), partnerships with delivery platforms, and customer experience updates. Includes analysis of executive appointments, restaurant refurbishments, brand relaunches, and efforts to drive loyalty engagement. Designed for restaurateurs, hospitality operators, and foodservice professionals monitoring midmarket dining brands and chain evolution across the UK.
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Nov- 2020 -4 NovemberCoronavirus
Zizzi’s in Bristol forced to close after alleged Covid-19 breach
A Zizzi restaurant near Bristol was forced to close by police as the authorities investigated an alleged report that staff were ordered to come into work while awaiting coronavirus test results. According to the Guardian, the chain restaurant in Clifton village closed on Thursday, 29 October after staff reported the…
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Jul- 2020 -20 JulyRestaurants
Zizzi and Ask Italian to close 75 sites, 1,200 jobs at risk
Some 75 Zizzi and Ask Italian sites are set to close after the restaurant’s owner, Azzurri Group, was acquired by TowerBrook Capital Partners. The move has placed 1,200 jobs at risk and is the result of “unprecedented levels” of disruption in recent months as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.…
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Jun- 2020 -30 JuneCoronavirus
Byron set to appoint administrators
Byron has reportedly filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators after it “teetered on the brink of financial collapse” following Covid-19. According to Sky News, the burger chain is now looking to secure a takeover of the group, and is holding “detailed” talks with three unnamed potential buyers in…
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5 JuneCoronavirus
Azzurri Group considering sale options
The Azzurri Group is reportedly working alongside advisors in a bid to find a potential buyer for the restaurant giant, according to Sky News. The parent group of Ask Italian and Zizzi, which is currently owned by private equity firm Bridgepoint, is now in the process of contacting prospective bidders…
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May- 2020 -4 MayCoronavirus
Azzurri Group drafts in advisors
Azzurri Group has reportedly drafted in KPMG as advisors to help the hospitality giant navigate the ongoing coronavirus crisis. According to The Sunday Times, the owner of Zizzi and Ask Italian has become the latest casual dining chain to draft in restructuring experts, following news that both Wahaca, Gourmet Burger…
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Jan- 2020 -15 JanuaryRestaurants
Ask Italian fined £40,000 for lack of lobster in lobster dish
Restaurant chain Ask Italian has been fined £40,000 after it was found to have “misled” customers over one of its lobster dishes. The chain, which is owned by the Azzurri Restaurant Group but trades under the Ask name, was fined by Swansea Magistrate after an investigation by Swansea trading standards…
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Dec- 2019 -17 DecemberRestaurants
Zizzi owner reports 7% increase in total sales
The Azzurri Group, the parent company of Zizzi, Ask Italian, Radio Alice and Coco di Mama, has reported an increase of 7% in total sales to £299.4m. According to the groups financial reports for the 52 weeks to 30 June 2019, the group experienced a 3% increase in EBITDA to…
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Aug- 2019 -13 AugustAnalysis
Spotlight: Restaurant chains defying the high street downturn
Pizza Express Pizza Express has been a mainstay on the UK highstreet since it was founded in 1965. In spite of a fairly saturated Italian dining scene the brand has maintained its presence where a majority of its competitors have struggled, including Jamie’s Italian, Prezzo and Carluccio’s. One of the…
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Jun- 2019 -24 JuneRestaurants
Pod sold to ASK Italian owner in pre-pack administration
Pod Food Limited has been sold to Azzurri Group, owner of the ASK Italian, Zizzi, Coco di Mama and Radio Alice brands. The sale was via a pre-pack administration after Damian Webb and Allan Kelly of RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed administrators of Pod Food Limited on the 21…
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Apr- 2019 -5 AprilBusiness
Greggs, McDonald’s and Wetherspoons named top brands for consumers
Greggs and McDonald’s have been named the top brands within on the go and quick service sectors, while JD Wetherspoon leads the way in high street bars, according to the 2019 Brand Momentum Report from CGA and Stone and River. The analysis of consumers’ views of dozens of big brands…
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