Restaurant Group warns of profit decline after fall in customer numbers

Frankie & Benny’s owner expects annual sales to be down by 2.5-5%, after being hit by fewer people visiting retail parks

The company behind the restaurant chains Frankie & Benny’s, Chiquito and Garfunkel’s has warned of a decline in annual profits after it was hit by falling customer numbers in retail parks – the first profit drop in more than a decade.

The Restaurant Group’s woes have worsened since the turn of the year, with like-for-like sales down 2.7% in the 17 weeks to 24 April. The company, which has more than 500 restaurants, now expects sales to be down by between 2.5% and 5% this year.