Frankie & Benny's Closes UK Sites Without Warning, Including Fareham Branch
A major UK family favourite restaurant chain is shutting sites across the country with no explanation or prior notice, leaving customers surprised and disappointed. Frankie & Benny's, the American and Italian inspired eatery, has closed its branch in Whiteley Shopping Centre in Fareham, Hampshire, after 13 years of operation.
The closure was reported by the Southern Daily Echo, with a sign at the location stating: “This branch is now closed. The nearest Frankie and Benny’s branch is Portsmouth.” This sudden shutdown follows a pattern of similar closures for the chain, which has been a popular dining destination since its arrival in the UK.
Customer Reactions and Reviews
Despite the abrupt closure, the Fareham branch had received positive feedback from patrons. One TripAdvisor review praised the establishment, saying: “Top notch food – the chefs made excellent food, our favourite place, food never disappoints, we will be back soon for more.”
Another review highlighted the welcoming atmosphere: “Now our monthly mate date place to meet for lunch. Restaurant is giving that warm relaxed vibe. Staff are welcoming and attentive and recognised us from when we met here last month and our food was again perfect!”
History of Closures and Recent Shutdowns
Frankie & Benny's has faced significant challenges in recent years, with numerous closures affecting its presence across the UK. Between 2020 and 2021, the chain shut 120 locations, and a further 35 closures were announced in 2023.
In a notable recent closure, the last remaining branch in the Black Country area, located in Dudley, served customers for the final time on August 31 after over 20 years in operation. A spokesperson for the restaurant expressed sadness over the closure, citing lease expiration issues.
The spokesperson stated: “We are saddened at the closure of our popular Dudley restaurant. Unfortunately, the lease on this restaurant expired and despite our best efforts, new terms could not be agreed.”
Impact on Staff and Future Plans
The closure has also affected employees, with the spokesperson adding: “We would like to thank our fantastic team at Dudley, who have done an amazing job there and, where possible, have been offered positions at nearby restaurants either within the brand or within The Big Table group.”
Despite these setbacks, the chain remains optimistic about its future, with the spokesperson noting: “This particular restaurant was in operation for many years and loved by our guests, but don’t worry, we are always actively looking for nearby locations and will be back soon!”
The sudden closures without notice have raised concerns among loyal customers, highlighting the ongoing struggles in the UK restaurant industry.
