Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge and Las Iguanas owner Casual Dining Group is to go into administration putting 6000 jobs in doubt.
The restaurant group said the move will give the firm 10 days breathing space to consider "all options" for restructuring.
It has Bella Italia venues in Aberdeen, Dunfermline, East Kilbride, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness and a Cafe Rouge in the capital. There are branches of Las Iguanas in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Earlier on Monday, the company confirmed it is working with advisers from corporate finance firm AlixPartners over a potential restructuring programme aimed at putting the restaurant group on a sustainable footing.
A Casual Dining Group spokeswoman said: "As is widely acknowledged, this is an unprecedented situation for our industry and, like many other companies across the UK, the directors of Casual Dining Group are working closely with our advisers as we consider our next steps.
"These notifications are a prudent measure in light of the company's position and the wider situation.
"These notifications will also protect the company from any threatened potential legal action from landlords while we review the detail of the Government advice, and formulate a plan for the company in these difficult times."
