Franco Manca to close 16 restaurants for good – full list of locations | UK | News

A famous pizza chain in the UK has confirmed that 16 of its restaurant locations will close permanently after its restructuring plan was approved by creditors. Last month, Franco Manca’s parent company, The Fulham Shore, said it planned to close the premises as part of a voluntary company arrangement (CVA) process, which will also affect around 225 jobs.

The pizza brand currently operated 70 restaurants before its closure but said it had been hit by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for restaurants. As a result, the affected restaurants were “no longer sustainable.” Franco Manca’s CVA bid was rejected by more than 90% of creditors who voted, allowing it to go ahead.

Last week, Fulham Shore placed sister restaurant brand The Real Greek into administration. It was immediately purchased by Cote’s owner, Karali Group, but nine of its 28 restaurants were announced to be closed.

Marcel Khan, chief executive of Fulham Shore, said: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.

“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base.

“With this agreement coming into force, we will put our business back on a solid footing and continue to move forward by strengthening our customer proposition and performance.”

Alvarez & Marsal managing director Paul Berkovi said: “Today’s vote showed that a significant majority of the company’s creditors support the CVA, reflecting constructive engagement among stakeholders.

“In a challenging environment for the industry, this is an important step for Franco Manca, allowing it to complete the financial restructuring of the business and secure the platform for operational transformation.”