The Aberdeen branch of Asian-inspired restaurant chain Itsu has shut suddenly after its franchisee reportedly went into administration.
Customers were left disappointed after finding the doors to the restaurant at Union Square closed on Saturday.
A sign on the door said the branch had been forced to shut while “things are sorted out”.
It comes after Itsu’s franchise holder Heart With Smart (HWS) was sold following a pre-pack administration.
Itsu Aberdeen ‘will hopefully reopen soon’
HWS is Pizza Hut’s dine-in franchise partner in the UK but also owns several Itsu restaurants.
HWS was sold to Pizza Hut’s main brand partner in Denmark and Sweden this week, Sky News reports.
The sign on the Aberdeen Itsu door said: “Dear customers, the Itsu here in Aberdeen is closed and will hopefully reopen soon.
“We are so sorry for the inconvenience.
“Of the many beautiful Itsu restaurants across the United Kingdom, three were franchised to HWS Ltd, including this busy one.
“The lease and ownership rights have unfortunately got caught up in their administration process.
“This restaurant has had to close whilst things are sorted out.
“We hope to reopen soon, and we will keep you updated on Itsu.com.”
Staff members could be seen inside, while the doors remained closed.
An Itsu spokesperson said: “Itsu were informed of HWS Ltd’s financial position this week.
“The vast majority of HWS’s business is their Pizza Hut franchises but they also operate three itsu restaurants at Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Reading Gate.
“The team members at these three locations are of course employed by HWS Ltd and not directly by Itsu.
“We will be liaising with HWS to press for the best possible outcome for the employees at the three sites.”
HWS has been approached for comment.
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