Boparan owner bails out GBK

Boparan restaurant group is reportedly purchasing the Gourmet Burger King (GBK) chain through a pre-pack administration, saving 650 jobs.

According to Sky News, Ranjit Boparan, the owner of the restaurant group known for the brands Giraffe, Ed’s Shakes and Waffles and Slim Chicken will purchase 35 GBK restaurants, in a deal expected to take place later this week.

Before the pandemic, GBK operated from 62 outlets and employed nearly 1,300 people, and the acquisition by Boparan will help secure half of these jobs.

Boparan previously rescued Carluccio’s earlier this year by acquiring 30 restaurants, saving more than 800 jobs in the UK.

Sky News revealed Boparan Restaurants outbid the competition from the new ownership from GBK’s rival burger chain, Byron.

GBK’s current owner, South Africa-based Famous Brands, announced in April it would not provide further funding to support the UK restaurants.

Deloitte will reportedly handle the GBK pre-pack administration.