(Yicai Global) Dec. 21 -- Element Fresh said it has closed a number of restaurants and will continue to review its business operations after the pandemic landed the popular healthy food restaurant chain in financial difficulties.

Element Fresh has closed outlets in the past month, and will continue to examine its business and “take appropriate actions” over the coming weeks, the company said in a statement posted on its WeChat account yesterday.

The Shanghai-based company, which has been in business for almost 20 years, said it was profitable before the pandemic.

Element Fresh offers Western-style and Asian dishes, juices, smoothies, and desserts, according to its website. It has restaurants in eight cities across China including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

A document purporting to be an internal notice dated Dec. 14 informing employees that the company was planning to shut outlets and file for bankruptcy has been circulating on the internet. Element Fresh made no mention of bankruptcy or liquidation in yesterday’s statement.

The firm is working to minimize the impact on employees, suppliers, and customers, it said, adding that it will refund gift cards and cash vouchers.

Editor: Futura Costaglione