Frankie and Benny's closure '˜another bodyblow'

The Restaurant Group, which runs 500 theme restaurants, said it had been a “challenging trading period”.

It said its Frankie & Benny’s chain had “suffered due to insufficient focus on value, unsuccessful menu development and poor operational execution”.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Stephen Nicholl said proposed closure of Frankie and Benny’s in Ballymena was anpother blow to the town.

“Yet again Ballymena loses out when large companies downsize, this time in the service industry. Regrettably the closure of JTI and Michelin will have a significant knock on effect in reducing disposable income across the region. The potential impact on retail and service industries will no doubt have been a factor in this decision. Ballymena needs significant re-investment in jobs over many years to address this impact and assist us to grow our economy.”