Chichester city centre eatery suddenly closes
Franco Manca has closed its Chichester restaurant, leaving a prominent unit vacant in the heart of the city centre.
The sourdough pizza chain's restaurant at 1- 3 South Street has now shut permanently, with the closure leaving Brighton as the company's only remaining Sussex branch.
He wrote: “As we close the doors of Franco Manca Chichester for the final time, I just want to say thank you to every single guest who walked through them.
“You weren't just customers – you became part of our story. Whether you visited us once or every week, celebrated birthdays, family meals, date nights, or simply stopped by for your favourite pizza, you helped make this restaurant feel like home.
“To our regulars, thank you for your loyalty, your smiles, and your conversations. To everyone who supported us over the years, thank you for every visit and every memory.
“While this chapter comes to an end, the friendships and memories we've made will stay with us forever.
“From all of us at Franco Manca Chichester, thank you for being part of our journey. We wish you all the very best for the future. Goodbye, and thank you.”
A 'to let' sign from commercial property agent Flude Property Consultants has now been placed in the window, indicating the prominent South Street unit is being marketed to prospective new tenants following Franco Manca's departure.
The Chichester restaurant was not among the original list of Franco Manca sites announced for closure earlier this year as part of the company's restructuring. The chain has previously cited rising employment costs, business rates and inflation as reasons for closing underperforming restaurants.
The closure has prompted disappointment among many residents, with readers taking to social media to share their memories of the restaurant and concerns about another empty shopfront on one of Chichester's busiest streets.
In response to an Observer Facebook post, announcing the news, Alex Barclay wrote: "Sad, as it's a key corner in the city. Like Army & Navy, not a good look for Chi. To be honest, it is irrelevant what your keyboard readers say they want – it's what they are actually going to spend their money in that matters."
Claire Francis wrote: "I liked it in there. Another one gone!!"
Several readers paid tribute to the restaurant itself and the people who worked there.
Imogen Eva-Millard commented: "Shame – the nicest pizzas and staff in town!"
Jenni Godley added: "Shame! Was my favourite pizza restaurant in Chi! Had some good times there!"
As news of the closure spreads, residents continue to debate what should occupy the high-profile South Street site next.