Nando's Canada is closing 21 of its popular chicken restaurants, the company announced today. 

"Like virtually all restaurants across the nation, Nando’s Canada has experienced a sharp decline in sales during the COVID-19 crisis," the company said in a statement.

"Lockdowns have been extended across all provinces and the Canadian restaurant sector is now facing the long-term consequences of this unprecedented event."

It went on to say to say that it will "move to permanently close 21 of its corporate owned-and-operated restaurants" that have not been "commercially viable" for some time.

The company plans to continue operations for 27 restaurants in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. 

Nando's appeared to be in trouble when it started closing restaurants in Toronto last month. 

"While we do not take any store closing lightly, we must ensure that Nando’s can continue to provide meaningful work and reliable hours for our staff during this crisis and beyond, and to continue to feed the communities we love," it said.