The Restaurant Group (TRG) – which owns a number of eateries in the North East including a number of Frankie and Benny's restaurants and the Coast to Coast site at the Metrocentre – is understood to be planning the closure of between 100 and 120 restaurants, which would affect between 2,000 and 3,000 employees. The company, which had not commented on the closure reports, has now confirmed to investors it is "in discussions with our landlords regarding potential restructuring options for our leisure estate". It has around 290 sites around the UK, most of which operate under the Frankie & Benny's brand, including venues in Newcastle's Eldon Square and John Dobson Street, North Shields' Silverlink and the Gateshead Metrocentre It has said that its Wagamama business – which it acquired in 2018 – as well as airport concession and pub operations will not be affected by the talks.