Thousands of jobs on the line as Frankie and Benny's announces restaurant closures

The Restaurant Group, which owns the chain, said it was seeking approval from its landlords for a deal that would let it reduce the number of restaurants it runs, and negotiate lower rents for many of those left over.

It is not yet confirmed which restaurants will close. There are Frankie and Benny’s outlets in Meadowhall, Valley Centertainment and Beighton.

Bosses at parent company The Restaurant Group said the hospitality industry was facing "well documented" problems, after the coronavirus pandemic forced many in the sector to close their doors.

If landlords approve the deal, known as a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), it will leave the firm's leisure arm with about 160 sites.

It will also allow it to exit about 25 restaurants which have already been closed.

The Restaurant Group also owns pan-Asian chain Wagamama, and runs several pubs and concessions in airports. These will not be affected by the news, it said.

The stores that will close are "principally" Frankie and Benny's restaurants, it added.

"The issues facing our sector are well documented and we have already taken decisive action to improve our liquidity, reduce our cost base and downsize our operations," said chief executive Andy Hornby.

"The proposed CVA will deliver an appropriately-sized estate for our leisure business to ensure we are well positioned despite the very challenging market conditions facing the casual dining sector.

"I would like to wholeheartedly thank all of my TRG colleagues for their continued understanding and extraordinary commitment during this unprecedented period."

The Restaurant Group told investors last week it was struggling even before the coronavirus hit.

In March, before lockdown, the firm closed 60 of its Chiquito Mexican-style outlets, as well as its chain of pubs Food & Fuel.

The Restaurant Group said that 210 of its 285 restaurants had been identified as underperforming, on "unfavourable" lease terms, or not expected to generate profit in the future.