Two Taco Bell restaurants in Kent will not reopen following the collapse of the franchise firm running them.
The Mexican fast food chain’s branches in Tunbridge Wells and Dartford recently closed and are not among those to have been taken over as part of a deal struck by administrators.
Both were run by T Bello Group as part of the Caskade Group, which had a large portfolio of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut franchises before it was placed into administration last month.
Of its 51 Taco Bell branches, 46 have been bought by family-owned hospitality firm Karali Group, but the Tunbridge Wells and Dartford branches are not part of the deal.
The latter only opened its doors in Dartford High Street last January.
Notices in its window reveal many of the franchise firm’s Taco Bell restaurants were sold to Karali in a deal struck by administrators.
But it adds: “This restaurant was not included in the transfer to the purchasers and is closed indefinitely.”
A similar sale was also agreed by administrators for the sale of the majority of Caskade’s KFC portfolio, with 40 franchises snapped up by Adil Group and the other 13 closed.
Those shut included branches in Dover, Crayford and Maidstone.
A Taco Bell spokesperson: “We are proud to share our newest partner, Karali Group, has announced plans to acquire previously owned franchised restaurants.
“We share Karali Group’s excitement to continue creating excellent guest experiences along with the craveable food Taco Bell fans know and love across the UK.”