The Real Greek has been thrown a lifeline after the owners of the Cote Brasserie chain stepped in to buy 19 of its 28 restaurants, saving the majority of the business from collapse.
The Mediterranean restaurant group’s parent company, Fulham Shore, had announced plans to appoint administrators due to severe financial pressures. However, Karali Group — which acquired the 70-strong Cote Brasserie chain late last year — has agreed to purchase most of The Real Greek’s sites.
According to Fulham Shore, the deal will save 358 out of 509 jobs.
Sites Set to Close
The following nine restaurants will close:
Spitalfields (London)
Westfield London
Dulwich Village (London)
Bristol
Strand (London)
Solihull
Gloucester Quays
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Challenging Environment
Japanese owner Toridoll cited high inflation, rising energy and food costs, increased labour costs from minimum wage rises, and disproportionately high business rates as key factors making trading conditions extremely difficult.
Fulham Shore CEO Marcel Khan said the business had shown positive signs of recovery since being acquired by Toridoll in 2023, but the wider economic pressures proved too challenging.
The deal will allow Fulham Shore to focus on growing its more successful Franco Manca pizza chain.
Founded in London in 1999, The Real Greek is known for its authentic Greek taverna-style dining, with a menu featuring hummus, moussaka, grilled meats, and fresh salads. The chain’s last published accounts showed an operating loss of £3.6 million.
This rescue comes just weeks after Fulham Shore announced the closure of 16 Franco Manca sites as part of a restructuring plan, further highlighting the significant pressures currently facing the UK hospitality industry.
Dining and Cooking