THE future of two Dunfermline restaurants remains uncertain after their owners announced plans to close up to 90 premises in the next two years.

The Restaurant Group (TRG) said the closures would impact sites across its leisure portfolio – which includes Frankie and Benny's and Chiquito's – and has said some existing sites may be turned into its popular Wagamama brand.

A TRG spokesperson was unable to confirm if the West Fife premises, which are both on Fife Leisure Park – would be affected.

"As we continue to adapt to a fiercely competitive casual dining sector, we will selectively be closing between 75 and 90 sites in our leisure portfolio, (which primarily consists of the Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito brands), over the next two years," said the spokesperson.

"A number of these sites will be converted into Wagamama restaurants and we will be updating on the plans for specific locations as soon as we can."

TRG confirmed the closure plans as it reported like-for-like sales growth of 2.7 per cent for the year to December.

The group saw total sales soar 56.4 per cent to £1.07 billion as it was buoyed by its £559 million acquisition of Wagamama in October 2018.

It said Wagamama continued to drive growth in the business, with the pan-Asian chain reporting an 8.5 per cent increase in like-for-like sales over the period.

The group, which has 650 sites in total, slipped to a pre-tax loss of £37.3 million for the year, from a £13.9 million profit in 2018, as it was weighed down by its unprofitable leisure restaurants.

Andy Hornby, chief executive officer of TRG, said: “Our three growth businesses of Wagamama, concessions and pubs are all out-performing their respective markets and have clear potential for further growth.

“I am also acutely aware of the challenges facing our leisure business and the wider casual dining sector.

“Following an extensive review, we have defined three clear strategic priorities for the next two years: Grow our Wagamama, concessions and pubs businesses; rationalise our leisure business; and accelerate our deleveraging profile.”