Andy McCue to step down as The Restaurant Group boss

The Restaurant Group, whose brands include Frankie & Benny’s, Wagamama and Chiquito, has announced that chief executive Andy McCue has informed the board of his decision to leave the company due to extenuating personal circumstances.

The company stated, “A search will commence immediately and we anticipate that Andy will remain in position while his successor is being recruited. The board would like to thank Andy for his significant contribution to the business and in particular for leading its transition into higher growth areas, including the recent acquisition of Wagamama. We are grateful that he will continue to drive the business forward while the recruitment process is underway.”

Debbie Hewitt, chairman, said, “Andy has brought a strong vision, developed a first-class team and laid the foundation of the company’s transformation. Whilst we are clearly disappointed that he will not be able to provide the long-term leadership for the business, we understand and respect the decision he has made purely on personal grounds.”

McCue added, “In recent years, we have achieved much in a challenging market. I’m confident The Restaurant Group is well positioned with the scale, talent and levers to drive profitable growth. While I recognise that this decision is untimely, it is the right one for me and my family. We have a strong team in the business and a clear plan which we are focused on delivering.”

An announcement will be made regarding McCue’s’s successor in due course. TRG will announce its Preliminary results on Friday 15 March.