A major pizza chain has temporarily closed one of its Stoke-on-Trent stores with immediate effect, as the company looks for new ownership. 

Papa Johns closed its Longton branch on Monday 22 January, along with sites in nearby Crewe and Macclesfield. 

The American chain opened on Normacot Road only nine years ago but will now remain closed until new ownership is found, with positive conversations currently being held.

Papa Johns also confirmed it is making an effort to relocate staff affected for the time being.

Papa Johns branches in Hanley, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford are unaffected by the closure (Nub News).

A Papa Johns spokesperson told Nub News: "Papa Johns prides itself on providing quality ingredients and a better customer experience across all its locations throughout the UK.

"We are committed to delivering consistency to our loyal fans, and it's what they have come to expect.

"Unfortunately, not all of our restaurants are meeting our expectations, which is why we've made the tough decision to temporarily close our stores in the North West until we find new ownership.

"We are very grateful to all our team members and look forward to seeing our loyal customers again soon."

The Hanley, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford branches remain open as usual. 

-------

READ MORE: Nominate a Stoke charity to be entered into weekly cash prize draw

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.