KFC branches on Station Road in New Milton and Barrack Road in Christchurch closed ‘indefinitely’ after Caskade Caterers Ltd goes into administration
Scores of jobs could be lost as KFC outlets in New Milton and Christchurch suddenly shut their doors on Wednesday after the franchise holder went into administration.
Signs were put up at the entrance to New Milton’s Station Road and Christchurch’s Barrack Road outlets saying four companies, including Caskade Caterers Ltd, had gone under.
On the Barrack Road outlet an additional notice stated that on the administrators’ appointment, some of the companies’ assets were sold to three firms which “continue to operate the majority” of the restaurants affected.
“This restaurant was not included in the transfer to the purchasers and is closed indefinitely,” it added.
Caskade owns a raft of KFC outlets across the south, and 40 of these have been acquired by existing KFC franchisee Adil Group, which has a portfolio of 73 branches UK-wide. More than 900 employees will transfer to Adil, but the A&T has been told “a handful” of Caskade restaurants will not be sold to Adil Group. It’s not yet clear if the New Milton branch is one of these.
A spokesperson for KFC UK & Ireland said: “With its track record and ambitions for sustainable growth, we believe existing KFC franchisee Adil Group is the right long-term partner to take on Caskade’s KFC business.
“We look forward to continue working with Adil Group to serve up the nation’s favourite fried chicken and unlock value for our people and the communities we operate in.”
The Station Road outlet was controversial after it was first announced for the town centre site – previously a NatWest branch – in 2021. It had been empty for 42 months before the planning application was made.
Competing petitions were launched in support and against its arrival, with one in favour saying it would be “the start of the rejuvenation of our town”. Others weren’t so sure, with concerns over litter and rats. It opened in January 2022 with up to 20 staff employed.
The branch came under fire from residents earlier this month after three mature maple trees in front of the site were felled, apparently because the roots were damaging drains and nearby walls.
Caskade signed a 20-year lease on the Station Road site in 2021, with a current rent of £42,500 per year.
According to Companies House, for the year ending 31st December 2022, Caskade – with a registered address in Harrow, Middlesex – had reported a turnover of £46,091,254, and a pre-tax profit of £394,976. The previous year, the firm had reported a turnover of £43,889,927, with a pre-tax profit of £4,637,003,
The A&T has contacted Caskade Caterers’ administrators and Adil Group.
