Gourmet Burger Kitchen’s future has been thrust into uncertainty after its owner revealed plans to sell the chain.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused frailty and turbulence across the restaurant industry and the brand is one of a number in trouble.

It was Sky News that first learnt that the new owner of Byron, the rival burger chain, is plotting to buy GBK and combine the two businesses.

Hospitality industry sources said that Deloitte had begun approaching prospective buyers of GBK in the past week, though the situation is unclear as to whether any transaction can take place.

The indication appears to be that the South African-based Famous Brands, the new(ish) owner of Byron, is plotting to buy GBK and combine the two businesses.

Sky said the company indicated that it would not provide further funding to support the UK operation as it stands, which before the pandemic operated from 62 outlets and employed nearly 1,300 staff.

The chain underwent a financial restructuring in 2018, undertaking a company voluntary arrangement, which resulted in the closure of dozens of sites.