The Restaurant Group, which contains 650 restaurants and pubs, has revealed in discussions with the landlords that it plans to close up to 120 sites with losses of up to 3,000 jobs.

Last year, the company revealed that it will close more than 150 outlets, including Chiquito and Frankie & Benny’s locations, as part of the restructuring over the next six years, following the acquisition of Wagamama for £559 m. It could close 120 Frankie & Benny’s and Garfunkel’s facilities “in order to meet both the immediate challenges and to build a post-lockdown business with a sustainable future” Wagamama, airport concessions and pubs are not yet at risk of closure.

According to the news on The Caterer, the statement read: “As is widely understood our industry is facing exceptional challenges in what is an unprecedented operating environment. The casual dining sector was already facing significant challenges prior to the onset of Covid-19, with overcapacity and significant cost pressures. In order to meet both the immediate challenges and to build a post-lockdown business with a sustainable future, we are in discussions with our landlords regarding potential restructuring options for our leisure estate. Our Wagamama, airport concessions and pub operations are not affected by these discussions.”