The owner of high street restaurants Bella Italia, Las Iguanas and Café Rouge has entered administration.
Casual Dining Group said that given the "extreme operating environment" it was in the best interests of all stakeholders to enter administration to allow the company to conclude negotiations with landlords over its estate.
More than 1,900 jobs are set to be axed, though 4,000 are reportedly secure for now, according to the Mirror.
Around 91 of 250 outlets will close, with administrators now reassessing the firm's finances.
Most of the closures affect the Cafe Rouge and Bella Italia chains, although 11 Las Iguanas outlets, three Belgo restaurants and several sites at airports will also shut.
Chief executive James Spragg said: “After reviewing all our options with advisors, it became clear that we needed to take this action in order to protect the business and secure the best possible future for Casual Dining Group as we look to conclude a potential sale."
Joint administrator Clare Kennedy of Alix Partners said: “Our immediate priorities are to assist those whose employment has been affected by today’s announcement and to secure a sale for the group in order to protect jobs and provide the group’s much-loved brands with a sustainable platform for the future.”
