Pizza chain blames tax rises for closing down restaurants

Business & FinanceSales & Promo
15 Apr 2026 • 8:55 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Pizza chain blames tax rises for closing down restaurants

  • Popular pizza chain Franco Manca is poised to close around 16 restaurants, a move expected to affect approximately 225 jobs.
  • Parent group The Fulham Shore cited "disproportionately high" UK taxes, a lack of business rates relief, and other rising costs as key reasons for the closures.
  • A Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) will be launched for Franco Manca, targeting a "minority of its sites" that are no longer deemed sustainable.
  • The decision follows Fulham Shore's engagement of advisers two months ago to explore strategic options, including a potential sale or restructure.
  • The Fulham Shore, which also operates The Real Greek chain, was acquired by Japanese restaurant group Toridoll in 2023 for £93.4 million.

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