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As far as pizza chains go, Franco Manca has been a reliable spot for great Neapolitan-style pies since it first launched in Brixton in 2008. Sadly, it’s taken a financial hit in recent years. Now, the chain is shutting down a total of 16 branches across the UK, more than half of which are here in London.
Franco Manca’s parent company Fulham Shore has confirmed that nine of its pizzerias in the capital will close. Branches in Battersea, Broadway Market, Stoke Newington and Brixton (just around the corner from its original site) are among those that’ll say goodbye for good. It’s not clear exactly when each branch will serve their last slice.
The decision is part of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) process, which received backing from over 90 percent of voting creditors. The process essentially allows the company repay creditors over a fixed period while continuing to trade under existing management.
Owners put the closures down to ‘disproportionately high’ UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for the closures. It said that the affected sites are ‘no longer sustainable’.
Fulham Shore also runs The Real Greek, which it placed into administration last week. Luckily, the majority of the chain’s sites were rescued after the brand was snapped up by Karali Group, which owns Côte Brasserie.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of Fulham Shore, said: ‘We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
‘Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.’
Franco fans in London will still have plenty of places they can go for the brand’s signature sourdough (made from a starter that dates back to the eighteenth century!). A total of 32 branches in the capital will remain up and running.
Full list of Franco Manca branches shutting down in London
- Battersea
- Broadway Market
- Brixton
- Bromley
- Chiswick
- Kilburn
- New Oxford Street
- Tottenham Court Road
- Stoke Newington
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