Franco Manca Closes 16 Restaurants Amid ‘Disproportionate’ Tax Burden
Franco Manca has shut 16 sites as part of a structural overhaul. The chain said rising costs and a heavy tax load drove the cuts.
Restructuring and advisers
The pizza group will enter a company voluntary arrangement, its owner confirmed. Fulham Shore said the CVA will allow it to work with creditors.
Advisers Alvarez & Marsal were appointed in February. A sale of the brand has been reported as a possible outcome.
Financial pressures cited
Fulham Shore chief Marcel Khan blamed national insurance increases and higher national living wages. He also criticised what he called disproportionately high VAT in the UK.
Khan said no restaurants were immune to these external pressures. The group is aiming to put the business on a sustainable footing.
Scale of impact
The chain operates about 70 restaurants, though the specific closures were not named. The cuts could cost as many as 225 jobs.
Fulham Shore also operates The Real Greek chain. Franco Manca was founded in London in 2008.
Wider industry context
The government last month allocated a £300m emergency package for pubs. Restaurants and hotels were not included in that support.
John Vincent, founder of Leon, has publicly accused ministers of harming the restaurant sector. Leon itself closed 20 sites after a recent change of ownership.
Ownership and next steps
Fulham Shore was bought by Toridoll for £93m in 2023. Toridoll owns several European and Japanese casual dining brands.
Fulham Shore said it will support affected staff through the process. Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments.
- Closed sites: 16 restaurants
- Estimated job losses: up to 225
- Total Franco Manca estate: about 70 restaurants
- Advisers appointed: Alvarez & Marsal (February)
- Owner: Fulham Shore, acquired by Toridoll in 2023 for £93m
Franco Manca has closed 16 restaurants amid what it describes as a disproportionate tax burden on the hospitality sector. The group said targeted relief for restaurants was needed.
