The company that owns Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito has confirmed that it is looking to close almost 100 restaurants across the country in the coming years.
The Restaurant Group (TRG) owns more than 350 restaurant sites across the country, with the biggest names consisting of Frankie & Benny's, Chiquito and Wagamamas.
There are no plans to shut any Wagamama restaurants in the near future - but 88 Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito sites could be under threat.
However, the good news for customers is that even the restaurants that have been earmarked for closure could stay open for around six more years, as this is when the average length of time left on the restaurants' leases.
Are there any Leeds restaurants under threat?
TRG are yet to confirm exactly which restaurants could be forced to close - but there are seven sites in Leeds that could close in the next few years.
The White Rose Shopping Centre and the Birstall retail park both have a Frankie & Benny's and a Chiquito.
There are also further Frankie & Benny's chains at Crown Point Shopping Park, The Light Shopping Centre and at Cardigan Fields.
Brexit uncertainties
According to CoventryLive, TRG posted an £87.7 million pre-tax loss in the six months to June 30. That came after a £12.2 million profit in the previous year.
Although they will not be immediate closures, the group said it will involve allowing leases to run out at 'unattractive' current locations.
It added that it is 'mindful' of the challenging headwinds currently facing the casual dining sector and is also planning ahead with the 'uncertainties' created by a no-deal Brexit in mind.
Like-for-like sales for the period rose by 4%, the company said, as total sales surged on the back of its £559 million acquisition of Wagamama in October 2018.
Debbie Hewitt, non-executive chairman of The Restaurant Group, said: "We continue to focus on improving our brand offerings and delivering the best possible experience to our customers whilst optimising our leisure business to enhance the overall group performance.
"Prevailing feeling is that uncertainty is having an impact on consumer sentiment but we believe we have a sufficiently strong set of brands.
"Regarding Brexit, the supply of food and labour are the two issues we want clarity on and are working to ensure we are as prepared as possible."
Visit our dedicated Leeds News page for the biggest talking points from across the city.
LeedsLive has launched a WhatsApp group to keep you up to date with the latest news! Click here to join and follow the instructions on your phone. Your number won't be shared with anyone else in the group.
