Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has announced plans to resurrect his once-popular Jamie's Italian restaurant chain in the United Kingdom next year, marking a significant comeback six years after its high-profile collapse into administration.
A New Chapter with Brava Hospitality
The revival follows a strategic deal struck between Oliver and the Brava Hospitality Group, which is backed by investment firm Cain International and also owns the Prezzo chain. This partnership aims to write a new chapter for the brand, which at its peak operated approximately 40 sites across the UK before a series of closures began in 2017.
The chain's eventual failure in 2019 resulted in the loss of around 1,000 jobs. In communications at the time, Oliver pointed to the severe challenges facing the casual dining sector, the decline of the British high street, and crippling increases in business rates as key factors behind the collapse.
Focus on a Modern, Refined Concept
The planned relaunch in Spring 2026 will see the first new Jamie's Italian open in London's Leicester Square. According to Ed Loftus, Global Director of Jamie Oliver Restaurants, the brand is being reintroduced with a more focused and contemporary approach.
"We've taken the time to reintroduce Jamie's Italian in a way that feels modern and focused," Loftus stated. "A tighter menu, a renewed emphasis on fresh pasta and quality ingredients, and warm, straightforward hospitality." He emphasised that the priority is to make the flagship London location exceptional, with future expansion dependent on public reception.
James Brown, Chief Executive of Brava Hospitality Group, highlighted the brand's enduring appeal, saying: "This brand has always stood for more than great food, it's about community, people, and purpose. That's why this next chapter feels so meaningful."
Business Context and Financial Performance
The relaunch news comes amid a mixed financial picture for the Jamie Oliver Group. While the chef still maintains a global presence with about 70 franchised restaurants worldwide, recent accounts show a dip in profitability for his broader business empire.
In October, it was reported that Jamie Oliver and his wife Jools received a dividend of £500,000 for 2024, a notable decrease from the £2.5 million taken in 2023 and the £6.8 million in 2022. Group pre-tax profit fell from £3.5 million to £3.1 million in 2024, despite a slight rise in turnover to £28.5 million.
The performance across different divisions was varied:
- Turnover from owned and operated restaurants surged dramatically from £335,983 to £3.6 million.
- Income from royalties, endorsements, and licensing fell from £18.3 million to £17.6 million.
- Production revenue declined from £3.7 million to £2.1 million.
The planned return of Jamie's Italian to its home market represents a bold attempt to rebuild a cornerstone of Oliver's restaurant portfolio, applying lessons learned from its previous downfall within a still-challenging UK hospitality landscape.
