Family restaurant chain owner Wildwood announces plans to close branches

Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, has confirmed the closures which come as part of major restructuring plans. The Chichester venue has been closed, with rumours circulating that the Port Solent and Whiteley restaurants were also at risk.

Tasty, which also runs locations under Dim T brand, said it suffered a “challenging” start to the year. Under the plans, the group would shut 18 branches, with two of these sites already closed.

Tasty currently operates 43 Wildwoods and six Dim-T pan-Asian restaurants, as well as two non-trading sites and three sub-let venues. Tasty said it expects to operate around 30 restaurants by the end of the current year.

A spokesperson said: “In our pursuit of operational efficiency and long-term sustainability, we have decided to implement a restructuring plan. As part of this process, we have closed Wildwood Bicester, Birmingham, Brentwood, Cambridge, Chichester, Edinburgh, Kettering, Kingston, Ludlow, Market Harborough, Plymouth Derry’s Cross, Skipton, Worcester, and dim t Loughton.

“We understand the impact of these difficult decisions and but unfortunately, they represent the steps needed to navigate a path through the challenges which are prevalent in our industry specifically, and the economy in general. We are confident that the changes will ensure the long-term viability of the Company and will protect the employment of the majority of our staff.

“Our primary focus will be on optimising the performance of our remaining Wildwood and dim T restaurants and thereby securing the long-term viability and profitability of the company.”

Wildwood Port Solent confirmed in a statement on Facebook that the restaurant will not be closing. Tasty PLC also confirmed to The News that the restaurant in Whitely is safe.