It was closed last Friday with a notice placed in a front window under a closed sign stating: “these premises have been taken possession of by the landlord”.

Real estate agent for the owners, Gary Blowes, the director and principal of Blowes Real Estate, said the closure was due to financial issues between the owners and the franchisee, Julie Campbell, who leased the building, that had been ongoing for several months.

“They can no longer trade from there,” he said.

 Mr Blowes said the La Porchetta company had been given a 14-day option “to put their own people in there” and continue trading but that did not happen.

“That will mean the end of La Porchetta [at the site],” he said.

On Monday fresh and frozen food was removed from the building and donated to a charity.

A spokesman for the charity said the food would be distributed to needy people.

He said he did not want the charity named as it did not want to be seen as profiting from the situation.

La Porchetta CEO Sara Pantaleo confirmed the closure.

“Regrettably, La Porchetta Orange closed on Friday evening, February 8,” she said.

VIDEO: Making a pizza with La Porchetta expert ...

“La Porchetta is committed to its loyal customers and we are currently liaising with the franchisee and all relevant parties to get the very best result for Orange,” she said.

“We hope to make a further announcement in the near future.” 

Ms Pantaleo said she could not comment on whether the chain would seek to re-open in Orange or who owned the fittings and fixtures.

“We are working through the situation and cannot breach any specific confidentiality,” she said.

It opened 18 months ago after another La Porchetta restaurant, with different management, closed in Orange several years ago.

UPDATE: A spokesperson for La Porchetta has informed the Central Western Daily the company is still considering its position in relation to whether to continue operating the business on the Peisley Street site and has until February 27 to make that decision.