Pizza Express to shut amid rising repair costs
Maidstone branch will close, other venues face uncertainty
The County Town’s Pizza Express, which opened more than 30 years ago, is going to close.
The company announced the venue, which features the Music Room, is shutting due to “unsustainable” refurbishment and repair costs.
It comes as the company looks to restructure and cut costs amid the economic fallout of coronavirus - meaning the future of all its Kent branches are uncertain.
The chain currently operates 12 branches across the county and has announced it is looking to shed around 1,100 jobs nationwide by closing down around 15% of its UK venues.
Writing to customers of the Earl Street venue, Maidstone music manager Ross Dines said: “Unfortunately the condition of the building has deteriorated, creating unsustainable repair and refurbishment costs. With our lease expiring too, sadly it’s time to leave.
“We’ve had some magical times in Maidstone and are sorry to say goodbye to you and to this chapter in Pizza Express’ history.”
The firm says the planned restructure of the business will “address the unprecedented challenges presented by Covid19.”
Pizza Express refused to comment on the future plans for specific restaurants, including the proposed opening of a branch alongside Nando’s in the £57-million Spirit of Sittingbourne development.
It says final decisions about the future of its 449 restaurants are “yet to be decided.”
Pizza Express restaurants are at Ashford, the Ashford Designer Outlet, Canterbury, Ramsgate, Whitstable, Maidstone, Rochester, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, with two branches at Bluewater. Zoe Bowley, UK managing director, said: “We’ve had to make some tough decisions.”