LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Restaurant Group plc (RTN.L) said trading for the first 19 weeks has been strong. Total sales were 8% ahead of the previous year and like-for-like sales 4% ahead.
Since the end of February the company has seen a significant uplift in sales with good growth in March, April and May to date. Margins are in line with expectations.
During the first 19 weeks Restaurant Group opened one new Frankie & Benny's restaurant, two new Garfunkel's and one new Pub restaurant. These sites are trading well and are set to deliver strong returns.
In total the company anticipates opening between 25 and 30 new restaurants this year with a strong pipeline developing for 2013 and beyond. Restaurant Group expects that one half of its new restaurant openings this year will be under the Frankie & Benny's brand.
The group is trading in line with expectations and is on track to report a strong first half performance.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
© 2012 AFX News
