Italian restaurant chain Carluccio's has hired advisers to look at its options, as the crisis continues among UK restaurant chains.

Caroluccio's, which has branches in Cheltenham and Gloucester, is understood to be working with KPMG, as reported by The Sunday Times.

The chain was co-founded by TV chef Antonio Carluccio, who died last year. He cut his stake in the business several years ago.

It's thought Carluccio's has yet to take much action to deal with the pressure and the company has said there are currently no plans to restructure.

The Garfunkel's chain is also planning to sell some of its prime sites. The company owns brands such as Frankie & Benny's, which has branches in Gloucester and Cheltenham and Chiquito, which has a branch in Cheltenham.

The news comes hot on the heels of news last week that Prezzo is planning to close  a third of its outlets, including all of its Chimichanga branches.

Punchline says: "This is a really tough time for the restaurant sector, which can only have been made worse by last week's bad weather . If you want to see these chains on our high streets for longer, the message is clear - you need to get out there and enjoy a meal!"

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk