Italian dining chain Carluccio's has collapsed into administration, casting a shadow over the future of its 71 UK restaurants and 2,000 employees.
Founded by Antonio Carluccio in 1991, the chain confirmed it has hired advisory firm FRP to oversee its administration.
A branch in West Bridgford, currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, was officially opened in 2014 by the man himself, dubbed the godfather of Italian cooking.
The Nottingham city centre restaurant, in Low Pavement, closed in 2018 after Carluccio's entered a CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement).
The business' Ireland operation and its franchise business in the Middle East is unaffected by the administration.
Geoff Rowley, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said: "We are operating in unprecedented times and the issues currently facing the hospitality sector following the onset of Covid-19 are well documented.
"In the absence of being able to continue to trade Carluccio's in the short term, we are urgently focused on the options available to preserve the future of the business and protect its employees.
"We welcome the latest update on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and look forward to working with HMRC to access the support it provides for companies in administration and their employees.
"As this fast-moving situation progresses we will remain in regular communication with all employees and key stakeholders, and will provide a further update in due course."
