Franco Manca Announces Closure of 16 UK Restaurants
Franco Manca’s famous sourdough comes from a starter reportedly sourced near Naples. The company says the starter dates back to the late 18th century. The original pizzeria opened in Brixton in 2008.
Planned closures and scale
The chain operates roughly 70 pizzerias across the UK. Management has announced closures affecting 16 sites. About 225 jobs are expected to be impacted.
Which restaurants are affected
- Battersea (London)
- Bishop’s Stortford
- Brixton (London)
- Bromley (London)
- Broadway Market (London)
- Cheltenham
- Chiswick (London)
- Didsbury
- Glasgow
- Hove
- Kilburn (London)
- Lincoln
- New Oxford Street (London)
- Plymouth
- Stoke Newington (London)
- Tottenham Court Road (London)
Company explanation and impact
The Fulham Shore group runs Franco Manca. The parent company also operates The Real Greek chain. Fulham Shore cited high UK taxes and limited business rates relief as key pressures.
Leaders said a number of restaurants had become unsustainable. They added that even well-run sites can suffer under current conditions. The exact timing for each closure has not been confirmed.
Executive remarks and staff support
Chief executive Marcel Khan acknowledged the strain on the hospitality sector. He said that despite strong customer and operational performance, broader pressures are taking a toll. Khan added the company will assist affected team members during the process.
Wider group considerations
The Fulham Shore is reportedly reviewing options for The Real Greek. That brand currently has 28 outlets nationwide. No final decision on those restaurants has been announced.
Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
