Pizza Hut blames Covid pandemic for closing Darlington restaurant
PIZZA Hut in Darlington has become another victim of the Covid pandemic after bosses last night confirmed its permanent closure.
The once popular and bustling Horsemarket restaurant in the city center had apparently been abandoned earlier this week.
The lights remained off when the menus were removed from the display, while much of its fixtures and accessories were still visible on site.
On Wednesday, a large poster directing people to his restaurant in Teesside Park, near Stockton, was seen as the Pizza Hut signs remained.
Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT
However, confirming that the restaurant had indeed closed permanently, Pizza Hut said it was “saddened” and that the closure was “beyond our control”.
Pizza Hut suggested the closure was due to the impact of the Covid pandemic and confirmed it had redeployed a number of staff to nearby sites.
Read more: Fresco Pizza at Darlington Market closes after liquidation
A spokesperson said: “Like many hotel businesses, Pizza Hut restaurants have been disrupted due to the pandemic.
“We are saddened by the closure of our Darlington restaurant, but it was beyond our control.
“Whenever possible, we always try to redeploy our team members to other Pizza Hut restaurants to minimize the impact on our workforce.
“You can continue to enjoy Pizza Hut in our Stockton restaurant at Teesside Leisure Park. ”
Last year, the chain, which has restaurants across the region, including Middlesbrough, Metrocentre and Durham Retail Park, warned of plans to cut 29 locations.
At the time, he said he was negotiating a deal to voluntarily restructure a corporate deal after facing a “significant disruption” from the Covid-19 pandemic.
A spokesperson said: “We are committed to doing the right thing and, in order to secure as many jobs as possible and continue to serve our communities, we are working to come to an agreement with our creditors.
“We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone involved.
“We appreciate the support of our business partners and do everything possible to assist our team members during this process, including speaking with those affected by the consultation. ”
It comes as Fresco Street Pizza in Darlington’s indoor market has closed after a liquidation that resulted in unpaid rent and salary payments.
A spokesperson for Darlington indoor market operators, Market Asset Management (MAM), confirmed the closure on Wednesday.
They said, “Although our lease was with the tenant, this company owned most of the equipment in the unit that was dismantled.
“The company has also employed staff who unfortunately say they weren’t paid in full last month or this month.
“The rent is also exceptional and we are currently working with our lawyers and discussing with the tenant.
“We understand that at least three staff members are affected and must claim money through an insolvency company.
“It is heartwarming that one staff member has been hired by another unit in the market and another has found another job. ”
Fresco has been contacted for comment.
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