Jamie Oliver’s Restaurant Chain Goes Into Bankruptcy

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver‘s restaurant chain in the United Kingdom has collapsed and is being placed into bankruptcy protection. These chains includes Oliver’s Italian chain, the Jamie Oliver Diner at Gatwick airport, a steakhouse in Barbecoa and Fifteen London, which is a restaurant that Oliver started in 2002 to train unemployed young people.

So far, 22 of the 25 restaurants have closed, leaving about 1,000 people unemployed.

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Oliver stated, “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.”

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

Over the years, the food industry has become increasingly crowded with casual food chains everywhere. Fast food restaurants are now offering fresh ingredients. He told Financial Times in an interview that the rise of rent, wages and food costs had been the reason for the bankruptcy.

Oliver is best known as a television star, book author and activist. His show Naked Chef eventually made him a household name.