The Real Greek rescued by Cote Brasserie-owner

He said the pre-pack administration and sale to Karali would place the business on a more sustainable footing while allowing Fulham Shore to focus on Franco Manca and "its significant growth potential". The Real Greek, which was founded in London in 1999, says its aim is to "take you to Greece" with its blue and white decor, down-to-earth atmosphere, and hummus and moussaka-laden menu. Nearly half of its "tavernas" are in London, with the rest spread between Scotland and the rest of England. Its last set of accounts showed an operating loss of £3.6m. A statement from the chain's Japanese owners echoed warnings from hospitality industry bodies in the UK, which have pointed to increasing pressure from rising business rates, energy and labour costs. Toridoll said: "In recent years, high levels of inflation in the UK, driven and food prices together with increase in labour costs resulting from rises in the minimum wage, have created a more challenging operating environment for the hospitality industry than initially anticipated." Two weeks ago Fulham Shore said it was closing 16 of around 70 Franco Manca restaurants across the UK as part of a company voluntary arrangement, or restructuring plan, blaming "disproportionately high" UK taxes, including business rates. At the time Khan said: "Even restaurant businesses that are doing all the right things from a customer and operational perspective are not immune to widely publicised pressures impacting the hospitality industry." Companies Hospitality industry Restaurants