Franco Manca pizza chain looks to launch in the North East as its bosses seek out sites

The owner of the Franco Manca restaurant chain has been viewing a flurry of sites at cities across the UK as it targets further expansion – with two North East locations among them.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 27th Apr 2021, 12:43 BST

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Fulham Shore, which owns the business and also runs The Real Greek brand, said that this strong reopening demand has helped encourage it to push forward with expansion plans and has been eyeing potential locations for new restaurants.

It has said it has inspected sites in locations including Durham and Newcastle, as well as London and York, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Liverpool and Manchester for new or additional restaurants.

The impact of the pandemic on hospitality and the resultant insolvencies of some rivals means a number of these potential new sites as “pre-existing fitted” units with lower opening costs and the group therefore expects a reduction in its capital spending.

The Franco Manca pizza chain could be on its way to the North East under plans to expand the business by its owners. Image copyright Getty.

The Franco Manca pizza chain could be on its way to the North East under plans to expand the business by its owners. Image copyright Getty.

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“The group continues to be presented with a number of excellent potential retail locations, almost on a daily basis,” it said in a statement.

“The board hopes that Fulham Shore can contribute towards the revival of town centres with new restaurant openings as the Covid-19 restrictions ease.

“We look forward to recruiting many new staff members to our great teams at Franco Manca and The Real Greek in preparation for the new restaurants that we intend to open.”

Shares in Fulham Shore lifted higher after it also hailed a “very encouraging” first week of outdoor trading.

The group said that 70 of its 72 restaurants under the two brands have now reopened for a mix of al-fresco dining, delivery and collection.

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North East Manchester