- Gourmet pie group Square Pie has fallen in to administration with 50 redundancies and the closure of its five remaining restaurants. In a statement the company blamed a 'perfect storm' of falling trade and rising rents, food and staffing costs for the decision. Square Pie's wholesale business is still trading and will continue to fulfil its orders.
- Sandwich chain Eat has become the latest operator to call in advisors in a further sign of tough times on the high street. The group has brought in KPMG to consider its options - which could see closures across its 100+ estate.
- In other sandwich news US-based chain Which Wich is looking to follow in the footsteps of Subway by launching a bid to conquer the UK market. The 500-strong company, founded in Dallas in 2003, will open its debut London site in Central St Giles later this month, ahead of plans to open ten shops in the capital.
- More good news for Mowgli, the North-based Indian street food brand, which says it could open up to five further restaurants this year on the back of strong trading. The four-strong group saw like-for-like sales rise 11.5% in December, and is eyeing sites in Nottingham, Leeds and Manchester for new openings.
- Canterbury restaurant Deeson's, which was recommended in the Michelin Guide, has closed its doors with a plea for diners to support independent businesses. A note posted on the restaurant's Twitter account said: "The cost of running a restaurant in the current financial climate has proven just too much. Passion, unfortunately, does not pay the bills."
For a full rundown of this week's news click here.