Furloughed staff at one of Northampton's Frankie & Benny's set a date to go back to work

Riverside's Frankie & Benny's will be among the first 35 of the chain's diners to reopen. Photo: Getty Images

Furloughed staff at Frankie & Benny's have set a date to unlock the doors at one its two Northampton restaurants — but the other one will have to wait.

Relieved workers at the Italian-American diners learned earlier this month that the sites at Riverside and Sixfields were not among more than 100 earmarked for closure under a rescue deal.

But Frankie & Benny's confirmed to the Chronicle & Echo today that the Riverside diner will be back in business on July 30 while Sixfields will reopen "in due course" after four months shut during the Covid-19 crisis.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted to be reopening Frankie & Benny’s at Riverside and very much look forward to welcoming back our guests.

"We are starting with a handful of restaurants and are aiming to have 35 open by the end of the month. We are also delighted to confirm Sixfields will be reopening in due course — please look out for further announcements on our social media channels and website as to exactly when.

"We have worked incredibly hard to put measures in place that guarantee guests feel safe and enjoy great experience.

"Guests will also be asked to book in advance and will be encouraged to pay at the table. Guests’ contacts will be collected through the digital platforms and stored for 21 days, in accordance to Government’s guidance.

"During the first days and weeks of re-opening we will be asking our guests for feedback through surveys, so we are constantly improving."

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