Carluccio's has confirmed it has fallen into administration as it struggles with the coronavirus crisis.
It casts doubt over the futures of its 2,000 employees and 71 restaurants.
The Covid-19 outbreak has wreaked havoc on the economy because Brits have been ordered to stay indoors.
Joint administrators from advisory firm FRP have been appointed to explore options including a sale of all or parts of the group, which was founded in 1991 by Italian chef Antonio Carluccio.
Geoff Rowley, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said: "We are operating in unprecedented times and the issues currently facing the hospitality sector following the onset of Covid-19 are well documented.
"In the absence of being able to continue to trade Carluccio's, in the short term we are urgently focused on the options available to preserve the future of the business and protect its employees.
"We welcome the latest update on the coronavirus job retention scheme and look forward to working with HMRC to access the support it provides for companies in administration and their employees.
"As this fast-moving situation progresses we will remain in regular communication with all employees and key stakeholders, and will provide a further update in due course."
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- Coronavirus
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