Volcanic ash burns Restaurant Group

6th May 2010 14:52

Frankie & Benny's eateries owner The Restaurant Group said it made a good start to the year despite a negative impact on its airport business due to the flight disruption caused by Iceland's volcano.Total sales for the 18 weeks to 2 May 2010 were 6% ahead of 2009 and like-for-like were sales 0.5% ahead. The group said like-for-like sales would have been about 1.5% ahead had it not been for the £500,000 impact on its airports business due to Volcanic ash."Despite some difficult external factors adversely impacting on our business during the first four months of the year we are encouraged by the positive start we have made to 2010," the group said."Our unique market positioning, strong brands and motivated teams continue to benefit The Restaurant Group and we are confident of reporting further profitable progress in our upcoming interim results."