A Liverpool barbecue restaurant is to close with jobs lost after the firm, which runs several branches across the country, was acquired from administration.
Red's True Barbecue on Hanover Street will close, with the loss of 25 jobs after bars and nightclubs firm Tokyo Industries acquired it from administration.
According to administrators FRP Advisory, it's thought a drop in trading, especially in its Liverpool and Newcastle sites - led to the process.
Inside the Duke Street Food and Drink Market:
Despite the Liverpool city centre store's closure, Trade Press said the deal will see the Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Leicester, Headingley and Newcastle sites remain open - meaning 235 jobs are saved.
The Liverpool site will close with the loss of 25 jobs, with administrators FRP Advisory working with the redundancy payments service to support affected employees.
It comes after Tokyo Industries, the bar and nightclub operator led by Aaron Mellor, acquired smokehouse brand Red's True Barbecue from administration.
Mr Mellor said: "Red's is an incredible brand with strong growth potential. The guys' passion, creative yet rebellious attitude versus near cult status restaurants are a perfect synergy for both parties."
Anthony Collier of FRP said: “Red’s True Barbecue is a well-known name in the northern hospitality industry and we’re pleased to have secured a deal that first and foremost saves many jobs. We wish the team at Tokyo Industries all success as they take the brand forward.
“The challenges facing the casual dining market are well documented and a period of rapid expansion, combined with a high overhead base, had unfortunately exacerbated the financial issues facing the business. Our main priority is now to work closely with the Redundancy Payments Service to support affected employees during what we know will be a difficult time.”
James Douglas and Scott Munro, who founded Red's True Barbecue in 2012, will both continue with the business, and even hope to "expand into the UK festival and international markets".
The firm has been contacted for a further comment.
