More than 60 Chiquito restaurants have been closed permanently after the owners put the chain into administration.
Around 1500 jobs are likely to be affected by the move, which will see 61 sites remain shut after the coronavirus lockdown is over. Just 20 are expected to reopen. Chiquito have restaurants at Fountain Park and Fort Kinnaird in Edinburgh.
Owners The Restaurant Group, who also have Wagamama and Frankie & Benny's, said they were struggling to cope with the fallout of the coronavirus outbreak.
A spokesperson said: "Covid-19 has had an immediate and significant impact on trading across the Group.
"We have conducted a review of the performance of our business divisions, with a particular focus on the expected future cash generation profile of each of our business units."
Talking of the decision to appoint administrators, they added: "The decisions have been incredibly difficult and we recognise the significant impact on all of our colleagues that are affected. We thank them for their hard work and commitment during these very testing times."
All pubs and restaurants have been ordered to close by the government as attempts are made to halt the spread of the deadly Covid-19.
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