A major UK family-favourite restaurant chain is mysteriously shutting down sites with no explanation. Frankie & Benny's has shut a UK shopping centre branch with no notice.
The American and Italian-inspired eatery has shut its site in Whiteley Shopping Centre, Fareham, Hampshire, 13 years after it opened, reports the Southern Daily Echo. The sign reads: "This branch is now closed. The nearest Frankie and Benny's branch is Portsmouth." One review of the branch on TripAdvisor reads: "Top notch food - the chefs made excellent food, our favourite place, food never disappoints, we will be back soon for more." Another review added: "Now our monthly mate date place to meet for lunch. The restaurantis giving that warm, relaxed vibe. Staff are welcoming and attentive, and recognised us from when we met here last month, and our food was again perfect!" Frankie & Benny's has been popular since coming to the UK, but sadly, a number of chains have now shut.
120 Frankie and Benny's chains shut between 2020 and 2021, and a further 35 closures were announced in 2023. In September, the last remaining branch of a popular restaurant chain in the Black Country closed its doors.
The Frankie & Benny's restaurant in Dudley served customers for the final time on August 31 after being in the town for more than 20 years.
A spokesperson for the Italian-American food spot said it is "saddened" by the closure and thanked the "fantastic" team who helped make the restaurant what it was.
A Frankie & Benny's spokesperson said: "We are saddened at the closure of our popular Dudley restaurant. Unfortunately, the lease on this restaurant expired and despite our best efforts, new terms could not be agreed.
"We would like to thank our fantastic team at Dudley, who have done an amazing job there and, where possible, have been offered positions at nearby restaurants either within the brand or within The Big Table group.
"This particular restaurant was in operation for many years and loved by our guests, but don't worry, we are always actively looking for nearby locations and will be back soon!"
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