Franco Manca to Close 16 Sites, Risking 225 Jobs

Franco Manca, a popular UK pizza chain, plans to close about 16 of its restaurants as part of a restructuring effort that puts approximately 225 jobs at risk, the company's parent group announced.

The closures, affecting a minority of the chain's roughly 70 locations across the country, stem from mounting operational pressures in the hospitality sector, including rises in national insurance contributions, the national living wage, and value-added tax rates that exceed those in many European countries. The Fulham Shore, which owns Franco Manca and the 28-site Real Greek chain, cited the lack of business rates relief specifically for restaurants as a key factor, noting that some sites had become financially unsustainable. Specific locations have not been disclosed, leaving uncertainty for employees and property owners.

The restructuring will proceed through a company voluntary arrangement, a legal process that enables the firm to negotiate debt repayments with creditors while closing underperforming outlets. Fulham Shore Chief Executive Marcel Khan confirmed the plan follows a strategic review initiated two months ago, during which the company engaged advisers to evaluate options...