Jamie Oliver's Restaurant Chain Has Its Last Meal

British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's restaurant chain had its last meal Tuesday as the company sought bankruptcy protection.

The company includes 23 Jamie's Italian outlets, plus the Fifteen and Barbecoa restaurants in London and Jamie's Diner at Gatwick airport. The jobs of about 1,300 employees are at risk, the BBC reported. The company has appointed KPMG as administrators.

"I am deeply saddened by this outcome and would like to thank all of the staff and our suppliers who have put their hearts and souls into this business for over a decade," Oliver said in a statement.

Oliver launched Jamie's Italian in 2008. More than 25 overseas Jamie's Italians, and Fifteen in Cornwall, all of which are run by franchisees, are unaffected by the administration. 

Oliver is known for his "Naked Chef" books and TV shows, which are broadcast in dozens of countries.

The Guardian reported that the company had been seeking buyers in recent months amid heavy competition in the casual dining market.

"We launched Jamie's Italian in 2008 with the intention of positively disrupting mid-market dining in the UK high street, with great value and much higher quality ingredients, best-in-class animal welfare standards and an amazing team who shared my passion for great food and service," Oliver said. "And we did exactly that."