High Street bakery chain Le Pain Quotidien has collapsed into administration and consequently has been forced to close all of its UK branches bar one.
The Belgian coffee chain currently has eight branches across London which will all close their doors except one at St Pancras. Its Westgate Oxford branch will also close.
All staff have been made redundant after “every option possible” was explored, managing director Annick Van Overstraeten told MailOnline.
She added that they were in talks with potential partners in the UK for new franchises in cities, travel spots and hotels.
Annick cited Brexit as a reason for the collapse of Le Pain Quotidien, saying it turned London into a “very difficult market”.
It would result in an unsustainable 30 percent of their budget being used on rent.
According to The Caterer, the bakery closures will result in the loss of 250 jobs.
Fans of the bakery can still visit the site at London’s St Pancras International station, run by sister company SPQ Holdings Ltd.
Annick Van Overstraeten spoke to MailOnline about what the closures mean for the future of Le Pain Quotidien.
“Le Pain Quotidien is steering its strategy with a more forceful focus on franchising in the UK, and elsewhere.
“Now that the UK has left the European Union, Le Pain Quotidien will rely on its franchise model more than ever, as well as the know-how of local partners. Therefore, we are embarking on a new chapter in the UK.”
She explained that the “flagship” St Pancras store will remain, as the others closed their doors for good on June 30, 2023.
Annick informed customers that the company explored every possible option to save the business but it was not possible, which has ultimately led to the redundancy of all staff members.
She hopes to create a local franchise, with franchising being the “foundation of Le Pain Quotidien’s strategy to grow”.
