Founded in 2004, Zest Food operated from 20 sites across central London, trading as Tossed in 14 of these stores. In March 2018, the group acquired Vital Ingredient with the ambition of creating ‘one of the largest healthiest eating groups in the UK.’ The group reported a turnover of £17.9 million in the year to 31 March 2019.
After a period of closure triggered by the COVID-19 lockdown, Zest Food reopened four of its stores in June on a trial basis, but these were later closed due to insufficient trade. The directors appointed Bonney and Kiely as Joint Administrators on 21 July 2020.
All of the company’s 260 staff have been made redundant and in the coming weeks, Quantuma will be working with the directors to find a buyer for the assets of the business.
Simon Bonney, partner at business advisory firm Quantuma commented: “Now is a very challenging time for hospitality businesses in London, especially for food establishments that rely heavily on walk-in sales. Despite Zest Food’s considerable efforts to assess all options including restarting its operations, the directors took the difficult decision to close again and lay off all 260 of its workforce.
“In the coming weeks, our primary focus will be to ensure that we work closely with the board to find a suitable buyer for the company’s assets.”
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Notes to Editors
Quantuma LLP is a leading business advisory firm which works with businesses at key milestones, delivering partner led solutions to help clients take advantage of opportunities and overcome a range of operational and financial challenges, enabling them to achieve their business objectives and ambitions. The business has 18 offices, including 15 in the UK, two international offices in Cyprus (Nicosia and Paphos) and one in Mauritius.
