AN American diner in Blackburn is to close down with the loss of 10 jobs.

Ed’s Easy Diner in The Mall shut this week after the company that runs it was bought out after going into administration. The retro diner chain opened in March last year in the Cobden Court area of The Mall.

MORE TOP STORIES:

It is one of 26 diners to close across the UK with the loss of 379 jobs in total.

The chain was bought by Giraffe Concepts Limited which is owned by Boparan Restaurant Holdings, which also owns Harry Ramsden’s, FishWorks and the Cinnamon Collection.

The company will keep a further 33 restaurants open and the head office, preserving 700 jobs.

The 1950s rock ‘n’ roll-style diner served American classics such as cheeseburgers, waffles and pancakes.

Rob Croxen, who with Blair Nimmo from KPMG was appointed joint administrators, said: “Our immediate priority in the coming days will be to liaise with those employees who have been affected by redundancy and ensure that in addition to receiving all back pay owed, they are provided with any assistance they need.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen executive member for regeneration, said: “I understand this is a national issue.

“For anyone losing their job this is a disappointing thing. We are hoping The Mall management will fill the space.”

Shoppers in The Mall said they were not surprised as the menu looked expensive.

One said: “I do not think the American way of eating is as popular as they think it is and from looking at the menu it looks expensive.”

Another said: “If you buy a burger and chips you’re looking at about £10. It is too expensive. It is a shame though as it looked nice.”

Loraine Jones, general manager at The Mall, said: “We are very sorry to see them close and it is disappointing to see the business fail but the units are all in strong trading locations with good occupier demand and we expect to secure replacement occupiers quickly.”