Franco Manca's new owner interested in acquiring other UK concepts

Takaya Awata, chief executive of Toridoll, said: "We are looking at acquiring more concepts in the UK [under Toridoll]. It's a possibility, but nothing has been decided."

He added that Toridoll "fell in love" with Franco Manca and saw scope to expand the brand in the UK, Europe and worldwide through company-owned sites and under franchise.

"We see a lot of opportunities in terms of number of stores. To start with we are looking at the UK market, not only for direct ownership but also looking to franchise the business.

"Last week, we visited Hong Kong and saw long queues for PizzaExpress. We see a lot of potential for Franco Manca in Hong Kong.

"To start with we are looking at the European market, but we have stores around the world, so we have the potential and the resources to scale in the future."

Toridoll was founded by Awata in 1990 and has more than 1,000 restaurants worldwide. It is aiming to reach over 5,500 stores globally.

In 2020, the group entered a joint venture with European investment firm Capdesia to bring its Marugame Udon brand to Europe and has launched 11 UK sites in London and Reading since 2021, with a 12th set to open in London Liverpool Street station this summer.

Toridoll's expansion into the UK comes at a time other casual dining chains are paying the price for over-expansion, with Prezzo and Frankie & Benny's operator the Restaurant Group shuttering sites this year.

Awata said the company was aware the restaurant market was "struggling in the UK and around the world" but felt Toridoll's diverse portfolio made it well-placed to face any challenges.

"You have to take a risk to go into a market," he added.

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