economy
As Franco Manca scales back, is the air going out of the sourdough pizza craze?
The restaurant is to cut more than a fifth of its outlets amid an onslaught from supermarkets and rival chains
TL;DR
- Franco Manca, known for its sourdough pizzas, is closing 16 of its restaurants, representing over 20% of its locations.
- The closures are attributed to external cost pressures like rising national insurance, living wage, and business rates, making some restaurants unviable.
- Despite the closures, demand for pizza in the UK is still growing, with sourdough accounting for a significant portion of sales.
- Competition from supermarkets and newer, fast-growing rival pizza chains has intensified, impacting restaurant brands.
- Some argue that Franco Manca's quality has declined and prices have risen as it expanded, alienating customers.
- Others believe the closures are a necessary operational adjustment to deal with rising costs and shed unprofitable sites.