Fridays restaurant chain owner delays publication of results

The operator of the Fridays restaurant chain has delayed publication of its annual results due to ongoing discussions with its banks.

Hostmore had been due to release a trading update on 16 March but said this would be postponed amid talks with its lenders.

The group, which has yet to replace its chief executive, said this was "unrelated to recent trading" and that VAT adjusted revenues for the first nine weeks of the 2023 were similar to 2022.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisaion and cash flows were "in line with current market expectations for the full year", the company added.

Hostmore's chief executive Robert Cook resigned in January while chairman Gavin Manson is due to retire in May to focus on other commitments.

The company runs around 90 hospitality venues under the Fridays, Fridays and Go and 63rd+1st brands.