Franco Manca to close 16 UK sites, 225 jobs lost

Pizza chain Franco Manca will close 16 of its 70 UK restaurants, leading to the loss of around 225 jobs, after creditors approved a company voluntary arrangement restructuring plan.

Parent company The Fulham Shore confirmed the decision, which received support from more than 90 percent of voting creditors. The closures target sites deemed no longer sustainable due to disproportionately high UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for restaurants, according to company statements. The affected locations include Battersea, Bishops Stortford, Brixton, Broadway Market, Bromley, Cheltenham, Chiswick, Didsbury, Glasgow, Hove, Kilburn, Lincoln, New Oxford Street, Plymouth, Stoke Newington and Tottenham Court Road.

The move comes shortly after Fulham Shore placed its sister brand, The Real Greek, into administration. That chain, with 28 restaurants, was quickly acquired by Karali Group, owner of Cote Brasserie, though nine sites still closed as part of the deal. Fulham Shore, acquired by Japanese group Toridoll with investment from Capdesia for 93.4 million pounds in 2023, faces ongoing pressures in a challenging sector.

Marcel Khan, chief executive of Fulham Shore, said: "We are...