The Real Greek restaurant chain on brink of collapse

The once-vibrant Greek tavernas of The Real Greek chain now face a grim reality, teetering on the brink of collapse. Toridoll, the Japanese parent company, has signaled its intention to appoint administrators, a stark admission that the mounting cost pressures have rendered the business unsustainable. This news casts a long shadow over the 28 outlets across the UK, threatening jobs and a taste of the Mediterranean for many.

While the Fulham Shore group, which also owns the popular Franco Manca pizza chain, is affected, The Real Greek has borne the brunt of the "deterioration in the economic environment." This statement from Toridoll echoes the widespread concerns voiced by UK hospitality industry bodies. The relentless rise in business rates, energy prices, and labor costs, exacerbated by high inflation, has created a perfect storm, pushing businesses like The Real Greek to their breaking point.

Founded in London in 1999 with the aim of transporting diners to Greece through its authentic decor and menu, The Real Greek's potential demise is a significant loss. The blue and white interiors and the promise of hummus and moussaka now seem like distant memories as the economic climate bites hard. While there's a glimmer of hope that Karali Group, known for Cote Brasserie, might step in to salvage some of the restaurants, the future remains uncertain for this beloved chain.

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In recent years, high levels of inflation in the UK, driven by rising energy and food prices together with increase in labour costs resulting from rises in the minimum wage, have created a more challenging operating environment for the hospitality industry than initially anticipated.