UK. London Gatwick Airport’s Jamie’s Diner and Jamie’s Italian restaurants are at risk of closure after celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurant empire called in administrators.
The international airport locations of Jamie’s Italian and related Jamie Oliver concepts are unaffected as they are operated by franchisees.
The 627sq m Jamie Oliver’s Diner opened at Gatwick’s South Terminal in August 2017. With more than 270 covers it is one of the largest restaurants at the airport, serving American comfort food in a relaxed setting.
Gatwick has two Jamie’s Italian locations, which are the only UK airport branches.
A total of 25 UK restaurants are affected by the move, with all but the Gatwick locations already closed. Administrator KPMG said it was currently seeking a buyer for the three Gatwick restaurants.
Oliver stated: “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.”
Oliver added: “We launched Jamie’s Italian in 2008 with the intention of positively disrupting mid-market dining in the UK high street, with great value and much higher quality ingredients, best-in-class animal welfare standards and an amazing team who shared my passion for great food and service. And we did exactly that.”
Ahead of the opening of the Gatwick Jamie’s Diner in 2017, Oliver said his intention was to “totally up the game in airport food”. He said: “It’s all about the diner food you love, made with incredible, sustainable produce. There’s going to be plenty of delicious healthy dishes, as well as some naughty ones that I’ve tried my best to keep in check, but each one is guaranteed to taste delicious.”
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