Chef Jamie Oliver announced last month that his chain of Italian restaurants in the U.K. have gone bankrupt. 22 out of the 25 locations across the U.K. will shut their doors, leaving upwards of 1,300 employees jobless.
According to The New York Times via FoodBeast, Oliver’s Great Britain chain has been struggling with debt and a saturated market for years, and are no longer able to hold out. The three restaurants that will stay open after the massive series of closures are the two Jamie’s Italian restaurants and Jamie’s Diner at Gatwick Airport.
“I am deeply saddened by this outcome and would like to thank all of the people who have put their hearts and souls into this business over the years,” Oliver wrote on Twitter on May 21st.
This declaration of bankruptcy comes two years after Oliver was forced to shut down six Jamie’s Italian restaurants in the U.K. in 2017, blaming the rising cost of Italian ingredients caused by Brexit as the main reason. Although Oliver is reportedly the highest-paid celebrity chef in the food industry at present, his salary alone can’t bail out the 22 restaurants on the brink of closure.
As Reuters reports, Oliver’s overseas franchises will remain open.
I’m devastated that our much-loved UK restaurants have gone into administration. I am deeply saddened by this outcome and would like to thank all of the people who have put their hearts and souls into this business over the years. Jamie Oliver
— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) May 21, 2019
Many on Twitter shared their condolences. Taking this big of an L must be a hard thing to go through.
“Your an absolute legend , what you have done for the world food game is incredible!” Australian chef Adriano Zumbo wrote. “Hold your head up high through these tough moments !”
Sorry to hear that Jamie , its a tough game out there ! Your an absolute legend , what you have done for the world food game is incredible! Hold your head up high through these tough moments !
— adriano zumbo (@thesweetassasin) May 21, 2019
Now those who loved their corner Jamie Oliver restaurant will have to travel to get their favorite dishes. “I loved my one in Bath!” Rhiannon Lambert wrote.
I honestly am devastate I loved my one in Bath! @jamieoliver @HelloHealthyYou
— Rhiannon Lambert (@Rhitrition) May 21, 2019
If Oliver was able to build an empire from the ground up, he can absolutely do so again. “Time will heal,” this fellow chef wrote.
God bless you Jamie & all your team- you will rise again when the time is right. Take care of you family & time will heal..
— Conrad Gallagher (@ConradGallagher) May 21, 2019
However, others aren’t surprised that the restaurants failed. According to some Twitter users, they weren’t as “much-loved” as Oliver thought.
If they were "much-loved' they'd be doing alright pal.
— Aitor 🌧 (@LondonR) May 21, 2019
I hope all employees find work soon.
Perhaps Oliver didn’t have the right people on his side. But there’s no way for us to know that.
Luckily, more people are saddened by the news than anything else. “It takes guts (and a lot of money) to build a business and when economic conditions like austerity, Brexit, fx rate etc bite back it’s pretty terminal,” this Twitter user added.
Can’t believe all the bell ends celebrating this. Feel very sorry for Jamie and all his staff. It takes guts (and a lot of money) to build a business and when economic conditions like austerity, Brexit, fx rate etc bite back it’s pretty terminal. Will miss your food too xoxo
— Darren Upson 🚀 (@DarrenUpson) May 21, 2019
And some of those employees at risk of losing their jobs at least enjoyed their time spent at Oliver’s restaurants. That’s a silver lining, right?
I have two sons who worked at your restaurant in Nottingham and they loved working for you. They were so happy in their jobs. So thank you. The team at Nottingham we’re amazing. James the Manager was just fab. ❤️ I hope your ok x
— Linda Allsop (@allsop_linda) May 25, 2019
Although, some tried to add a bit of humor to the situation. Sad, but funny.
Next time on @GordonRamsay 's Kitchen Nightmares.
— Sam Clay 🕹️ (@Thrungus) May 21, 2019
An Italian chain that's way over its head is in deep trouble.
But seriously… Oliver might want to put in a call.
Jamie Oliver's restaurant going bankrupt? Only one man can save him pic.twitter.com/fWSoJ2NpuJ
— Joe (@TMS_Joeee) May 22, 2019
His restaurant chain may be endangered, but Oliver isn’t going anywhere. He’s still sharing his recipes on television and social media.
Silky, delicious hollandaise sauce to top your eggs with this morning! #WeekendBrunch pic.twitter.com/MKqsc6lxTK
— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) June 22, 2019
And yeah, his recipes are still to-die-for. Just look at this crackling.
Beautiful, crispy, tasty, perfect CRACKLING.
— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) June 14, 2019
Ideal if you're still looking for #FathersDay lunch inspiration! 😉 pic.twitter.com/QQkZVvi7Nu
Plus, Oliver is still authoring cookbooks. His latest read is 5 Ingredients — Quick & Easy Food.
If you haven’t got your very own copy of #QuickAndEasyFood, order now on Amazon: https://t.co/qOe0rInJcE
— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) May 10, 2019
We wish Oliver the best as he moves into this next phase of his career. When life closes doors, new doors open.
If you live in the U.K. and love your local Jamie Oliver restaurant, we recommend you go before it closes.
