The Frankie & Benny’s restaurant in Dudley served customers for the final time yesterday (August 31) after being in the town for more than 20 years.
A spokesperson for the Italian-American food spot said it is “saddened” by the closure and thanked the “fantastic” team who helped make the restaurant what it was.
The closure comes after the lease agreement on the Castlegate unit expired and Frankie & Benny’s was unable to agree terms on a new lease.
The company said where possible, staff members have been offered positions at nearby restaurants within The Big Table group, Frankie & Benny’s parent company.
A Frankie & Benny’s spokesperson said: “We are saddened at the closure of our popular Dudley restaurant.
It was the last Frankie and Benny’s restaurant remaining in the Black Country (Image: Google Earth) “Unfortunately, the lease on this restaurant expired and despite our best efforts, new terms could not be agreed.
“We would like to thank our fantastic team at Dudley, who have done an amazing job there and, where possible, have been offered positions at nearby restaurants either within the brand or within The Big Table group.
“This particular restaurant was in operation for many years and loved by our guests, but don’t worry, we are always actively looking for nearby locations and will be back soon!”
The restaurant was one of the first food outlets to open at the Catslegate Leisure Park after is opening in 2001.
It was the 50’s style spot’s last remaining site in the Black Country, following the closure of its Merry Hill restaurant in 2021, following the Covid lockdown.
The restaurant is now on the market with Creative Retail, Birmingham, for an annual rent of £100,000.