CHRONICLE readers were surprised to learn that popular Italian restaurant chain Pizza Express were preparing for debt talks.

The news of the company's struggles came out last week, when it was announced that the restaurant chain has hired advisers at corporate finance firm Houlihan Lokey to prepare for debt talks with creditors amid difficult trading conditions for casual dining chains in the UK.

READ THE FULL STORY: Pizza Express: Struggling restaurant chain prepares for debt talks with creditors

One Chronicle reader said: "Real shame if they do, best pizzas in town in my opinion but they’re pricing themselves out of business."

Another commented on the Facebook post: "I actually don’t know what I’d do without their dough balls."

Another said: "This is the worst news ever."

Reading Chronicle:

The town centre Pizza Express could be at risk if the firm collapses, as well as the Newbury restaurant and others in the surrounding area.

Bloomberg reported that advisers will sit down with creditors in a bid to organise the company's debts, which currently stand at £665 million.