Several Bristol branches of Papa Johns have closed suddenly, giving no sign of when they will reopen. Other Papa Johns restaurants, which are all franchisee-owned and independently operated, have also closed in Cardiff, Newport and Hereford among others.
Staff who have been working at the branches, 20 in total, claim they were informed they no longer had a job via text and that it would take eight weeks for them to receive the wages they are owed. The restaurants are supposed to only be closed temporarily but there is no known date for when they will reopen.
All the closed branches are owned by the same franchisee, and as well as the Bristol branches there are others in Stoke-on-Trent and Chorlton, in Manchester.
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A spokesperson for Papa Johns said: "Papa Johns restaurants in the UK are 100% franchisee owned. Papa Johns has been helping the franchise owner of these independently operated restaurants through a difficult period but certain locations now need to be closed temporarily while some issues are resolved. Papa Johns has important operating standards to protect franchisees, team members and customers. If these standards are ever compromised, additional measures need to be taken that can impact a restaurant staying open.
"Papa Johns is not the employer of the team members at these locations. The franchise owner of these locations is responsible for paying its team members. Nevertheless, in order to be supportive, Papa Johns will take steps to ensure all employees are compensated for their time worked. The independent franchise owner of these locations will need to address any remaining issues."
One member of staff, who approached Bristol Live, believes 350 people have been affected by the sudden closures of the 20 restaurants. Bristol Live attempted to contact the franchisee through Papa Johns but were only given a statement.
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