Bistrot Pierre Shuts Down Eight UK Restaurants Amid Job Losses

Bistrot Pierre, the popular French restaurant chain, has announced the closure of eight of its locations across the UK, leading to a significant loss of jobs. The affected restaurants are situated in Birmingham, Coventry, Kidderminster, Leamington Spa, Mere Green, Newport, Preston, and Southport, resulting in a total of 158 job losses. This decision comes as the chain grapples with economic challenges, particularly rising inflation, which has severely impacted its operations.

Impact on Employees and Remaining Locations

Despite the closures, the remaining ten Bistrot Pierre restaurants will continue to operate, safeguarding 394 jobs. These locations will now be under the ownership of Cherry Equity Partners, a UK-based private equity investment firm. The acquisition is part of Cherry Equity’s strategy to invest in the UK hospitality sector, which they believe holds significant potential for growth.

Background of Bistrot Pierre

Founded in Nottingham in 1994 by John Whitehead and Robert Beacham, Bistrot Pierre has become a beloved name in the UK dining scene. However, the chain has faced numerous economic hurdles in recent years. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, Bistrot Pierre reported a turnover decline to £24 million ($25.9 million), down from £28 million the previous year. Additionally, the chain experienced a pre-tax loss of £2.5 million, a stark contrast to the £670,000 loss reported the year before.

Statements from Cherry Equity Partners

Ed Standring, CEO of Cherry Equity Partners, expressed optimism about the future of Bistrot Pierre. He stated, “This investment marks our second acquisition in as many months and underscores our deep commitment to the UK hospitality sector – an industry we’re incredibly passionate about and one we believe is full of opportunity. Bistrot Pierre is a well-loved bistrot, bar, and boutique rooms business with a great heritage, and we’re looking forward to working with Nick and the team to invest and grow the business.”

Closure Notices and Administration

In Southport, a notice was posted to inform patrons of the restaurant’s closure. It read: “Will Wright and Ryan Grant of Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators of Bistrot Pierre 1994 Limited on 7 March 2025. The restaurant is now closed.” This announcement highlights the severity of the situation and the challenges faced by the chain.

Future Prospects for Bistrot Pierre

While the closure of eight restaurants is undoubtedly a setback, the remaining locations are poised to continue serving loyal customers. Cherry Equity Partners’ commitment to investing in the brand may provide the necessary support to revitalize the remaining restaurants and potentially expand in the future. The hospitality industry is known for its resilience, and with the right strategies, Bistrot Pierre could emerge stronger from this challenging period.

Conclusion

The recent closures of Bistrot Pierre restaurants underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality sector in the UK. As inflation continues to rise, many businesses are forced to make difficult decisions to ensure their survival. The future of Bistrot Pierre will depend on effective management and strategic investments from Cherry Equity Partners. For more information on this story, you can read the original article here.