Healthy fast food chain Friska sold

At its peak, Friska operated eight sites across Bristol, three in Manchester and one in Birmingham.

Following a ‘comprehensive marketing process’ an unnamed third party has acquired the business - including goodwill and trading names - and five of the eight Bristol sites. 

Towards the end of last year Friska completed a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), which saw its three Manchester sites close. 

At the time, Brown said the company had been unable reach consensual agreements with its landlords, following a sharp drop-off in footfall.

Founded in 2009, Friska is based primarily around central business districts and universities. In common with the likes of Pret A Manger and Leon, its market positioning has seen it hit especially hard by the pandemic. 

Whilst the Company Voluntary Arrangement was successfully approved and 'enabled the immediate restructure of the business', the protracted nature of the pandemic has continued to impact the chain, with all of its sites currently closed. As a result, Friska engaged Mazars to conduct a sale process. 

“The Joint Administrators are pleased to announce that a sale of the business and assets has now been completed, which has resulted in 35 employees transferring to the new owners," says joint administrator Mark Boughey. 

"Whilst the hospitality and retail sector continues to experience challenges, due to Covid, we hope that the government’s recent announcement and the lifting of restrictions on 19th July will enable the business to re-open and thrive under new ownership, safeguard the jobs of employees and retain tenants for local landlords.” 

“We also wish the Friska co-founders Griff and Ed well with their new venture and every success for the future.”