KFC branches on Station Road in New Milton and Barrack Road in Christchurch confirmed to close permanently after Caskade Caterers Ltd goes into administration

carolyn.griffith@advertiserandtimes.co.uk

Published: 09:25, 27 June 2024

| Updated: 13:34, 08 July 2024

Scores of jobs have been lost as KFC branches in New Milton and Christchurch permanently closed after the franchise holder went into administration.

Signs were put up on the doors of New Milton’s Station Road and Christchurch’s Barrack Road outlets on Wednesday afternoon saying four companies, including Caskade Caterers Ltd, had gone under.

They are among 53 KFC outlets across the south which were run by Caskade. Administrators Begbies Traynor confirmed 40 of these, with more than 900 staff, had been bought by existing franchisee Adil Group, which already owns 73 branches nationwide.

KFC on Station Road in New Milton has closed for good

However, neither the New Milton nor Barrack Road branches are included in this, and will close for good. Two branches in Bournemouth will also close permanently.

A statement from administrators Begbies Traynor said: “We can confirm the successful sale of 40 branches previously operated by a single KFC franchisee to Adil Group.

“The sale to the new owners is a positive outcome for the majority of branches and employees within the portfolio.

“Adil Group has been a successful KFC franchisee for more than 20 years and will provide the former Caskade KFC branches with a sound financial footing for the future.”

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.

KFC on Christchurch's Barrack Road has also closed

“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 Adil Group for comment.

The sites which will permanently close are: