Sixty staff made redundant in Ceviche closures

Sixty staff lost their jobs following the closure of three sites operated by Peruvian restaurant chain Ceviche.

Earlier this week it was announced that the three remaining outlets within the group – Ceviche in Frith Street in London's Soho, Andina in Shoreditch and Casita Andina on Great Windmill Street, also in Soho, had been acquired in a management-led buy-out after administrators were appointed on 21 June.

In the pre-pack administration deal, Ceviche was sold to Carino, a company backed by Alex and Saiphin Moore, the founders of Rosa's Thai Cafe.

Allan Kelly, one of the joint administrators from RSM Restructuring Advisory, said: "The sale of the three Ceviche and Andina restaurants saves 88 jobs, ensuring continuity in what are popular dining destinations through the ongoing trading of the profitable core estate.

"‘Regrettably this process has led to the closure of three restaurants, resulting in 60 redundancies. We will be working closely with the redundancy payments service to assist these employees."

Moore said that all staff had been offered alternative positions throughout the company before they accepted redundancy.

The sites which closed included Ceviche in Old Street and Notting Hill, alongside Adina Bakery, also in Notting Hill.

The Moores will now work with turnaround specialist Atomex, a business co-founded by Alex Moore, to grow the Ceviche business again.

Alex Moore told The Caterer it was likely that growth would come via the Andina brand. "Andina is where we see the potential; it's got Peruvian soul, a more South American flavour. That's the real superstar, the jewel in the crown."

Ceviche was founded in 2011 by Martin Morales, who will remain an ambassador for the company. Managing director Raquel de Oliveira has become a shareholder through the deal and will continue in her role. She is pictured here with Alex Moore.