A well-known chain of restaurants has recently ceased operations in the UK after being in business for two decades. Ping Pong, a Chinese dim sum restaurant founded in 2005 by Kurt Zdesar, has closed all its locations across the country.
In a somber announcement on Instagram, Ping Pong confirmed the permanent closure of all its restaurants, expressing gratitude to its patrons for their support over the years. The chain acknowledged the shared moments of joy, delicious food experiences, and the dedicated team behind the scenes.
Customers expressed their sadness and nostalgia on social media, reminiscing about the memorable times they had enjoyed at Ping Pong. The closure follows a controversial move last year when Ping Pong replaced its service charge with a discretionary 15% “brand charge” to cover operational expenses.
Ping Pong reported significant trading losses of £1.4 million in the financial year ending March 2020. Art Sagiryan, the chief executive of Ping Pong, commented on the challenging landscape of the industry, hinting at potential changes in pricing strategies to adapt to evolving market conditions.
This closure comes shortly after another restaurant chain, Browns, shut down its original branch in Brighton. Browns, known for its traditional British menu and various dining offerings, currently operates 26 locations across the UK, including establishments in London, Bristol, and Cambridge.