The Real Greek on Brink of Closure

0:00On May 1st, the real Greek, that popular UK chain with 28 spots serving of hummus and musaka, is on the brink of shutting down. Its Japanese owners, Torodal, say skyrocketing costs have made it unsustainable, so they're planning to call in administrators. Torodal snapped up the parent company, Fulham Shore, back in 2023. Fulham Shore also runs Franco-Mank of pizza places, but those are holding up better amid the tough economy. The chain kicked off in London in 1999, with nearly half its tavern still there, and the rest scattered across England and Scotland. Hospitality groups have been sounding the alarm on rising business rates, energy bills, and labor costs hitting everyone hard. Inflation from higher food, energy, and minimum wage hikes has squeezed the industry more than expected, according to Torodal. Word is, Karali Group, the folks behind Cote Bresserie, might swoop in to grab some of those locations, and keep the gyros flowing.