Little Chef, the roadside restaurant chain that recently withdrew plans to slim down its cartoon logo after a public outcry, is to be put up for sale early next year for up to £50m. Permira, the private equity group that took over the chain last year as part of its acquisition of Travelodge, has decided to focus on its hotel business, while intending to retain eateries next door to its lodges. There are 297 Little Chefs, plus 40 franchised outlets at Moto motorway service stations. Travelodge will retain the 115 eateries located alongside its lodges, and expects to retain the Little Chef brand under a franchise deal with the eventual buyer.