「留英」半个世纪的「披萨」破产了

Group 1: Core Issues of Pizza Hut UK - Pizza Hut UK is facing severe operational crises, with its franchisee DC London Pie entering bankruptcy management, resulting in the permanent closure of 68 dine-in restaurants and 11 delivery points, leading to the loss of 1,210 jobs [4][10] - This marks the second time within a year that Pizza Hut UK has entered bankruptcy management, with previous debts reaching approximately £40 million [9] - The global parent company, Yum Brands, intervened quickly to rescue the remaining 64 restaurants, ensuring job security for 1,277 employees [10] Group 2: Historical Context and Market Challenges - Pizza Hut's UK operations began in 1973, peaking with over 700 locations and employing 14,000 people by 1999, but has since struggled due to increased competition and changing consumer habits [5][12] - The brand's decline became evident around 2012, with significant losses attributed to competition from rivals like Domino's, which capitalized on the growing preference for delivery services [13] - The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation, forcing the closure of 29 locations and severely impacting dine-in business [14] Group 3: Broader Industry Trends - The UK casual dining sector is experiencing a crisis, with a 13.1% year-on-year increase in businesses facing financial distress, and a staggering 31.2% increase in bars and restaurants in critical financial situations [17] - In the first half of the year, 209 pubs permanently closed, averaging 8 closures per week, highlighting the broader challenges faced by the industry [17] - Factors such as inflation, rising energy costs, and tax pressures are contributing to the struggles of the restaurant sector, with energy bills for some establishments increasing by up to 300% [18]