Zizzi
Coverage of brand development, operational strategy, and F&B performance at a national Italian-inspired casual dining chain. This section includes updates on site refurbishments, menu launches, leadership decisions, and digital innovation, providing insight for hospitality professionals and operators focused on balancing scale, value, and guest experience in a competitive high street dining landscape.
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Jan- 2021 -15 JanuaryCoronavirus
Over 800 chain restaurants closed indefinitely due to Covid
Over 800 chain restaurants, cafes and pubs have closed indefinitely due to Covid-19, according to research carried out by the Evening Standard. The pandemic has greatly affected the wider hospitality sector, with operators having to regularly close over long periods of time due to tougher lockdown restrictions and social distancing…
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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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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 -21 AugustAdvice
Five ways restaurateurs can use digital marketing to survive the high street turbulence
Looking at the high street restaurant scene at the moment, it is easy to feel pessimistic. Jamie’s Italian became the latest popular British restaurant chain forced to shut its doors for good when it announced the closure of 23 of its 25 restaurants. Since 2018, Carluccio’s has closed nearly a…
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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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