Two Major UK Family Restaurant Chains Could Be Sold to Secure Future
The company behind two beloved high street restaurant chains is considering a potential sale as part of efforts to future-proof the brands. Fulham Shore, which owns the popular sourdough pizza chain Franco Manca and the Mediterranean restaurant chain The Real Greek, has brought in turnaround specialists to explore strategic options.
Consultants Hired to Review Strategic Options
Consultants Alvarez & Marsal have been appointed to conduct a thorough review of strategic options for Fulham Shore. This move aims to put both Franco Manca and The Real Greek on the strongest possible footing for the future, according to company bosses.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of Fulham Shore, stated, "While sales performance across Franco Manca and The Real Greek remains relatively robust, the current macroeconomic environment continues to place pressure on parts of the casual dining sector."
He added, "Against this backdrop, Fulham Shore has appointed Alvarez & Marsal to undertake a thorough review of strategic options to ensure both brands are on the strongest possible footing to realise their long-term potential."
No Fixed Timetable for the Review
Khan emphasized that there is no fixed timetable for this review, and no certainty that it will result in any particular outcome. He noted, "Any decisions will be taken carefully, with a clear focus on long-term value creation and sustainability."
Fulham Shore, previously listed on the London market, was acquired by Japan's Toridoll in 2023. Toridoll, which operates brands such as Marugame Udon, Shoryu, and Wok to Walk, collaborated with private equity firm Capdesia, the backer of Wasabi Sushi & Bento, for this deal.
Challenges in the Restaurant Market
In recent financial results, Toridoll indicated that Fulham Shore was "struggling in the sluggish restaurant market." The company reported that the UK firm is working to improve productivity and profitability by deploying personnel with extensive knowledge of domestic business and strengthening promotions in the delivery market.
The tough retail outlook has led numerous firms to call in administrators since the start of the year, highlighting broader challenges in the sector. Franco Manca operates a restaurant in Birmingham city centre, among other locations.
