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<\/p>\nTWO family favourite restaurant chains 'could be sold' to a major rival after shuttering dozens of branches.<\/p>\n
The Restaurant Group\u00a0(TRG) is in talks to sell both Frankie & Bennys and Chiquito to Cafe Rouge owner The Big Table group.<\/p>\n
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The Big Table owns other big name brands like Cafe Rouge and Bella Italia.<\/p>\n
Talks are said to be at an advanced stage but could still fall through.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for the group said: "TRG confirms that it is in advanced discussions with The Big Table Group in relation to a potential divestment of its Leisure business.<\/p>\n
"Whilst discussions are ongoing, there can be no certainty that they will lead to a transaction nor as to the final terms of any such transaction.<\/p>\n
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"A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate."<\/p>\n
The sale would comprise of 75 sites across the two chains' estates, Sky News reports.<\/p>\n
By selling to an established restaurant group the sale could protect the 3,000 employees in TRG's leisure estate, the report suggests.<\/p>\n
The sale would further grow The Big Table's brands, which already consists of around 160 different chains, including Las Iguanas.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The Sun has contacted The Big Table group for comment.<\/p>\n It comes after TRG, which also owns Wagamama, revealed that it will be shutting around 40 sites by April 2024.<\/p>\n Plans will see its entire leisure estate reduce from 116 sites to between 75 to 85.<\/p>\n First announcing the closures back in March TRG reported widening losses last year and said some of its restaurant chains had been directly impacted by the cost of living crisis.<\/p>\n So far dozens closures have taken place, including Frankie & Bennys, Chiquito and Firejacks sites.<\/p>\n TRG also had to close hundreds of its restaurants\u00a0as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n At least 61 Chiquito restaurants were closed in 2020, with the loss of around 1,500 jobs.<\/p>\n It went on to close 125 of its other restaurants including\u00a0a raft of Frankie & Benny\u2019s locations.<\/p>\n It also completely shut down its Food and Fuel chain of pubs in London.<\/p>\n Earlier this week in its latest update the groups confirmed strong trading across pubs, concessions and its leading chain, Wagamama.<\/p>\n It is also aiming to open between eight to 10 new Wagamama restaurants a year from next year.<\/p>\n Food and drink\u00a0chains in general have been suffering in recent months as the\u00a0cost of living\u00a0has led to fewer people spending on eating out.<\/p>\n The hospitality sector as a whole has been struggling to bounce back after the\u00a0pandemic, only to be hit with soaring\u00a0energy\u00a0bills\u00a0and\u00a0inflation.<\/p>\n Several chains have also been affected, resulting in brands like\u00a0Wetherspoons\u00a0closing branches.<\/p>\n In January,\u00a0Byron Burger fell into administration\u00a0with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200\u00a0jobs.<\/p>\n Italian dining chain\u00a0Prezzo revealed plans to shut 46 restaurants\u00a0back in April as a result of soaring energy and food costs, putting 810 jobs at risk.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, coffee lovers are saying goodbye to yet another branch while still reeling from a string of closures.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, the first Wilko stores set for closure have been announced by administrators.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/view-turbines-orsteds-offshore-wind-842492622.jpg\")
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