A “large number” of Frankie & Benny’s outlets will remain closed after lockdown, it has been reported.
The Restaurant Group (TRG), the owner of Frankie & Benny’s, is set to tell staff today that many of its outlets will not reopen after lockdown.
It’s not yet known if their site at Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield is affected.
In an email to staff seen by the BBC, TRG said many sites are “no longer viable to trade and will remain closed permanently”.
The email said: “The covid-19 crisis has significantly impacted our ability to trade profitably, so we’ve taken the tough decision to close these restaurants now.”
Those currently working in sites due to stay closed were told: “Unfortunately, unless there are any suitable alternative roles identified, it’s likely your role will be made redundant.”
The company announced in February that it would speed up existing plans to close restaurants.
Initially it had planned to make 150 closures – which were first signalled last year over a six-year period. It then said it would close 90 restaurants by the end of 2021.
