Fate of Northampton's two Frankie & Benny's restaurants is decided

Northampton's two Frankie & Benny's restaurants will be reopening despite the company's financial troubles

Relieved staff have learned that Northampton's two Frankie & Benny's restaurants are not among more than 100 earmarked for closure.

Owners The Restaurant Group entered into a company voluntary arrangement last month with reports estimating about 125 sites would stay shut after the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Italian-New York diners closed in March and the firm would not confirm which restaurants would not reopen following last month's CVA announcement.

But a Frankie & Benny's spokesman confirmed to the Chronicle & Echo on Tuesday that Northampton's restaurants at Sixfields and Riverside will both be back in business again soon.

The spokesman said: “We are delighted to confirm our two Northampton sites will be re-opening in due course for our guests.

"Please look out for further announcements on our social media channels and website as to when exactly we will be open.”

Kettering's Frankie and Benny's is also slated to be part of the company's plans for a phased reopening.

Six restaurants will be opening for dine-in customers from Monday (July 11) — including one in Peterborough Boongate — with a slimmed-down menu and reduced opening hours to allow for thorough cleaning.

The news comes a day after Bella Italia announced its Northampton restaurant was not on a list of permanent closures.

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