Burger Chain GBK Could Follow Byron, Jamie’s Italian, and Carluccio’s | Eater London

"The mid-market burger chain is experiencing sharp declines and is at risk of following the fate of fellow high-street names like Byron, Jamie’s Italian and Carluccio’s. Like-for-like sales in the 22 weeks to 29 July 2018 fell 10.6% (against a 2.6% decline in the same period the previous year), while system-wide sales dropped 6.4% compared with a 12.1% increase last year. Parent company Famous Brands disclosed the results in a voluntary performance statement and — according to Big Hospitality — said it is “considering options related to a subsidiary” believed to be the chain. Founded in 2001 with backing from Providores owner Peter Gordon and expanded rapidly after a 2010 buyout by Yellowwoods, the business is now being blamed for having introduced too little innovation during expansion; competitors with more progressive offerings and newer chains with clearer propositions have grown steadily, leaving the restaurants vulnerable amid intensified competitor activity, margin pressure and broader economic hardship." - James Hansen