Popular high street restaurant closes as franchise owners enter administration

A POPULAR high street chain restaurant has shut its doors abruptly following its franchise holder entering administration.

Itsu’s Aberdeen restaurant left diners disappointed this afternoon after the doors remained closed after its advertised opening time of 12pm today.

Customers were instead greeted with a message on the establishment’s door which apologised for its closure while “things were sorted out".

The notice added that the Asian inspired restaurant will “hopefully re-open soon,” with no timeframe being given.

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The message read: “Dear customers, the Itsu here in Aberdeen is closed and will hopefully re-open soon. We are so sorry for the inconvenience.

“Of the many beautiful Itsu restaurants across the United Kingdom, three were franchised to HWS Ltd, (HeartWithSmart) including this busy one.

“The lease and ownership rights have unfortunately got caught up in their administration process. This restaurant must has had to close whilst things are sorted out.

“We hope to re-open soon, and we will keep you updated on Itsu.com.”

Members of staff were spotted inside the Union Square premises, while the doors remained closed.

The reports of HeartWithSmart entering administration are still unconfirmed. However, the company’s website is currently unavailable, and its LinkedIn social media page has been taken down, according to the Press and Journal.

HeartWithSmart advertises itself as “the UK’s leading hospitality franchise partner,” and operates several Pizza Hut and Itsu restaurants.

The National has approached Itsu for comment.