East Maitland Hog's Breath Cafe latest casualty in restaurant closures

East Maitland's Hog's Breath restaurant has closed.

It is understood the local franchise is the latest casualty in a raft of Hog's Breath closures across the country.

The Chelmsford Drive business shut its doors last week - its Facebook page first citing 'repairs and maintenance' but its website later stating 'Hog's Maitland is closed'.

The website also invited customers to visit its other local restaurants at Newcastle and Nelson Bay.

The news has been shared on Facebook and has prompted plenty of comment.

It has been widely reported this week across various news platforms that the once popular chain has been rocked by a number of closures nationally.

A statement from Hog's CEO, Ross Worth said his main concern at East Maitland is for its franchisees, Darren and Sheree Kearns.

"They have been part of the Hog's family for 12 years and had to make the difficult decision to close the doors," Mr Worth said.

"We're currently working with the landlord to secure a new lease and have identified a current franchisee without our system who is interested in purchasing and re-opening the Maitland restaurant.

"When we have more confirmed information, this will be announced.

"Darren and Sheree have been in communication with the staff and it's our hope they can be rehired by the new franchisee when the restaurant is under new ownership," Mr Worth said.

Hog's Australia's Steakhouse, formerly named Hog's Breath Cafe and also known as Hog's Breath Saloon, is an Australian and international restaurant chain. The first Australian business restaurant model opened in July 1989 at Airlie Beach, Queensland by Don Algie.