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The owner of the Zizzi and Ask Italian restaurant chains said he will close 75 locations, risking the loss of up to 1,200 jobs.
The Azzurri Group, which also owns the Coco Di Mama pasta chain, was sold out of management to TowerBrook Capital Partners.
The measure will keep 225 stores and restaurants open and will keep around 5,000 jobs.
The company said the coronavirus had greatly affected restaurants.
“The Covid-19 crisis has had a profound impact on the casual dining sector, stopping many companies like ours,” said Steve Holmes, CEO of Azzurri Group.
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“Despite being a successful operator, the immediate loss of revenue during closing means that we have had to make some incredibly difficult decisions to protect the business in the long term.
“It is with deep sadness that this process will result in the permanent closure of several sites and that we must bid farewell to the valued employees at our brands.”
Last month, The Restaurant Group, which owns Frankie and Benny’s, said it expected to cut up to 3,000 workers after confirming plans to close 125 sites.
And this month, two of the UK’s largest High Street retailers, John Lewis and Boots, have announced 5,300 job cuts.
The measures come amid warnings that Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s new financial support will not be enough to prevent millions of workers from losing their jobs.
