A major fast food chain with more than 100 locations abruptly closes two restaurants forever after the owner falls into receivership

A major fast food giant with more than 100 locations abruptly closed two restaurants after its owner fell into receivership.

Residents are facing huge disappointment as the popular American chain closes two of its branches in Dartford and Tunbridge Wells.

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Mexican fast food giant Taco Bell has permanently closed two branches in Dartford and Tunbridge Wells following the collapse of the franchise that operated them.

Franchise fiasco

The closures are part of the dramatic fallout from the bankruptcy of the T Bello Group, under the aegis of the Caskade Group, last month.

The group, which managed a substantial portfolio of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut franchises, saw its empire collapse.

Of the 51 Taco Bell branches it operated, 46 were saved by the Karali family group, but unfortunately the Tunbridge Wells and Dartford sites were not retained.

The Dartford branch, which had only been serving its delicious tacos since January last year, was among the casualties.

Posters in the windows of these branches inform customers of the closure, with an ominous message: “This restaurant was not included in the transfer to the purchasers and is closed indefinitely.”

This isn’t the first time Taco Bell fans have found themselves in a difficult situation.

Grantham, in Lincolnshire, also recently lost its Taco Bell, with its signs torn down and windows boarded up. The site, once abuzz with rumours of a drive-through, has now fallen silent.

Social media was lit up with locals mourning the loss, with one asking friends: “Where are you two going to go now?”

Others expressed their dismay through sad emojis.

The ripple effect of Caskade Group’s collapse extends beyond Taco Bell.

The group’s KFC portfolio has also seen major upheaval, with 40 franchises bought by Adil Group and 13 others, including branches in Dover, Crayford and Maidstone, closed.

A Taco Bell spokesperson remained upbeat, saying: “We are proud to announce that our new partner, Karali Group, has announced its intention to acquire previously owned franchise restaurants.

“We share the Karali Group’s enthusiasm to continue creating great experiences for our customers alongside the mouth-watering food that Taco Bell fans across the UK know and love.”

Why are fast food chains closing branches?

The Taco Bell closures are part of a broader trend hitting the fast food industry.

The Covid pandemic has dealt a severe blow to many institutions, and the subsequent rise in inflation, operating costs and the cost of living crisis has only made the situation worse.

Major brands such as Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s have closed branches.

Whitbread, owner of Beefeater and Brewers Fayre, which has 840 sites across the UK, said it would close 200 of its family-favourite restaurants.

Pizza giant Papa John’s will soon close 43 of its stores.

Wildwood owner Tasty said it would close sites as part of major restructuring plans.

The chain plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a “difficult” start to the year.

Some chains have not survived, with Byron Burger being placed in administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of more than 200 jobs.

But not everything is so bleak in the world of fast food.

Some brands are going against the grain and growing.

American burger chain Wendy’s, which already has 23 sites in the UK, will open eight new establishments this year.

Wingstop, which currently operates 39 sites across the UK, is expected to open a further 15 in 2024.

Chicken chain Popeyes has revealed rapid expansion plans to almost double in size this year with 30 additional branches.

Domino’s, which currently operates 1,300 sites in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, has set a target of operating 2,000 stores by 2033.

Lounge adds seven new locations to its portfolio of over 200 restaurants across the UK.

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