Karali Group Rescues Most The Real Greek Sites in Pre-Pack Deal
Karali Group Rescues Most The Real Greek Sites in Pre-Pack Deal
Karali Group buys 19 of The Real Greek's 28 sites, saving hundreds of jobs while nine outlets face closure in a pre-pack administration arrangement.
The Real Greek is stepping back from the brink of collapse thanks to a pre-pack administration deal. The Karali Group, owners of Cote Brasserie, has agreed to buy 19 of the Mediterranean chain's 28 outlets, saving 358 of the 509 jobs. The plan follows a warning from the current owners that they might appoint administrators, potentially closing the brand entirely. The Karali takeover marks a pivotal shift for a brand that started in London in 1999 and aimed to transport diners to Greece with blue and white decor.
Fulham Shore, the parent company, will pivot its focus to Franco Manca and growth opportunities, while the Karali deal means most of The Real Greek's sites will continue trading under new ownership. Toridoll, which had previously planned to appoint administrators, said the environment remained difficult; the pre-pack package seeks to create a more sustainable footing for the chain as the hospitality sector faces cost inflation and a challenging fiscal climate.
Of the nine outlets set to close, eight have been named publicly: Spitalfields, Westfield London, Dulwich Village, Bristol Strand, Solihull, Gloucester Quays, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The list underscores the tough market conditions affecting smaller operators, even as the rescued sites are expected to carry forward with improved momentum.
The Real Greek was founded in London in 1999 and has built a casual dining concept intended to “take you to Greece” with its simple dishes and familiar decor. The move to a more stable footing lets Franco Manca, the wood-fired sourdough pizza brand, pursue growth opportunities under Karali's ownership while The Real Greek's leadership concentrates on recovery and long-term plans.
Industry watchers say the deal highlights ongoing reshaping of the UK casual dining scene, where inflation and high operating costs push chains toward consolidation. Yet for staff and customers, the immediate outcome is a clearer path forward with most sites saved and continued access to a familiar Greek-inspired menu.
