Coronavirus: The shops and restaurants that might never reopen in Scotland

Since the country went into lockdown back in March as part of social distancing measures to supress the virus, a number of businesses have been forced into administration.

Here, we outline some of the firms who will no longer be operating in Scotland and others at risk of going under for good.

Frankie and Benny’s

The owners of Frankie and Benny’s, The Restuarant Group, announced plans to permanently close around 125 restaurants around the UK earlier this month.

It is believed that the majority of these will be Frankie and Benny’s sites but will also include smaller sister brands such as Garfunkel’s. Wagamama is owned by the same group but is thought to be unaffected by the closures.

BrightHouse

The rent-to-own retailer went into administration in March.

Brighthouse had planned to axe 30 shops in February in a bid to save the company, but the lockdown measures introduced forced the closure of all stores.

It is understood that 2400 employees across the UK will lose their jobs. 

The company appointed Grant Thornton to keep running the business, and collecting money from customers.

The business will still look after customers' appliances until their contracts run out.

There will be no new rent-to-own sales, and experts said that customers who are claiming compensation from the company might have to wait for longer than usual.

Quiz

Fashion chain Quiz is placing the division that runs its 82 standalone stores into administration as part of a restructure to offload loss-making outlets and slash its rent bill.

The group said 822 of the 915 staff affected by the decision will remain with the group but that 93 jobs are at risk.

Quiz will look to buy back the stock and some of the assets from the Kast division placed in administration for £1.3 million so it can try to renegotiate better rents with landlords on some of the stores with a view to keeping them open.

Monsoon Accessorize

More than 500 jobs are set to be lost after Monsoon Accessorize entered administration, as the hit from coronavirus threw its turnaround plan off course.

The business expects to make 545 staff redundant as it closes 35 stores, despite Monsoon's founder Peter Simon buying the business out of administration almost immediately.

However, the deal will transfer around 450 jobs to Adena Brands, owned by Mr Simon, which has promised to inject £15 million into the business to allow the remaining stores to stay open.

Mr Simon will try to renegotiate with landlords to get a better deal on the remaining 162 store leases.

He will hope to save as many as 100 stores and 2,300 jobs.

The firm announced the news in June.

Oasis and Warehouse​

The company behind Oasis and Warehouse went into administration in April when Deloitte was appointed as administrator.

All stores have closed indefinitely while online sales have stopped.

Reports say the fashion brands have been sold to restructuring business Hilco in a deal which includes stock but not the 92 stores or 437 concessions.

Hash Ladha, chief executive of Oasis Warehouse, previously said: “This is a situation that none of us could have predicted a month ago, and comes as shocking and difficult news for all of us.

“We as a management team have done everything we can to try and save the iconic brands that we love.”

Chiquito

The Mexican restaurant chain is another casualty of the lockdown, with at least 61 of the 80 venues closing – resulting in the loss of almost 1500 jobs. 

During the pandemic it posted on its website: "We are absolutely heartbroken to announce that all our restaurants will be closing tonight until further notice - including those offering home delivery.

"We want to thank all our incredible teams and guests that made CHIQUITO such a fun and happy place to spend time at."

Bella Italia, Las Iguanas, Cafe Rouge

The future of 6,000 workers is in doubt at Bella Italia and Cafe Rouge owner Casual Dining Group after it confirmed a notice of intent to appoint administrators had been filed at the High Court.

The restaurant group, which also operates the Las Iguanas chain, said the move will give the firm 10 days breathing space to consider “all options” for restructuring.

The company previously confirmed that it is working with advisers from corporate finance firm AlixPartners over a potential restructuring programme aimed at putting the restaurant group on a sustainable footing.

Cath Kidston

Fashion retailer Cath Kidston has also confirmed that it will close all of its high street stores.

The brand was saved in a deal with administrators, but it included closing its high street locations.