Late summer rush sees Franco Manca owner Fulham Shore revenues soar above pre-pandemic levels

Franco Manca and The Real Greek owner Fulham Shore told investors on Friday that group revenues soared above 2019 levels in recent weeks.

In the three weeks to 5th September revenues were up 27% on 2019 levels as people flocked to the AIM-listed firm's restaurants, up from just 8% above 2019 levels in the eight weeks to mid-August.

Footfall inside the group's 17 West End and city centre locations are still down on pre-pandemic levels, but the company said these are seeing "week-by-week improvement as tourists and office workers have started to return".

The group is fitting out two new London pizzerias in Blackheath and Baker Street and has another 15 sites in the pipeline.

Fulham Shore has overseen the pizza joint’s expansion since 2012 and has been capitalising on newly-cheap rents on restaurant kitchens and sites vacated by Covid-hit retailers.

Chairman David Page said he is very encouraged by the revenue trends "despite continued challenging trading conditions".