Despite an attempt at modernization, the Flunch restaurant chain is still experiencing difficulties and has had to close several restaurants.
Flunch is a famous French fast food chain, which opened its first establishment in 1971. Very popular in the 90s, it offers cheap meals with unlimited sides. In recent years, the chain has encountered difficulties, notably caused by the explosion of the fast food offer. In 2021, strongly impacted by the Covid crisis, Flunch requested a safeguard procedure after a drop in turnover. Around fifty restaurants were then closed in 2021 and 2022.
Flunch has tried to modernize: its CEO admitted in 2023 that “for a very long time, the concept has hardly changed”. The goal was to abandon the cafeteria side, with a tray placed on a rail starting with the choice of a starter and a dessert then the order of the dish at the checkout before adding unlimited accompaniments, in order to turn to thematic stands, such as burgers, plancha, wok, salad bar…
In addition to a modified menu, the group has also improved digitalization with new loyalty programs and payment systems as well as interactive terminals. The possibility of delivery has also been highlighted. 100 million euros have also been invested to give a second life to its 150 restaurants by 2025.
While some positive effects have been noted, the situation still seems complicated. Several additional restaurants are under threat, as revealed by The Parisian. This decision is due in particular to the excessive local competition of these restaurants. These include Asian buffets, offering a wide variety and quantity of food, which are undermining Flunch establishments. In addition, with inflation, the attractive prices of the brand have had to be increased.
The company, which belongs to the Mulliez family, also owners of Auchan and Decathlon, announced that it was “working on closing” the restaurants in Buchelay in Yvelines, Cavaillon in Vaucluse, Rosny-sous-Bois in Seine-Saint-Denis and Olivet in Loiret. They are expected to close by the end of the year, following a lack of profitability and a continued loss of customers.
One of them questioned by The Parisian recounted his experience at Flunch in Buchelay: “When you compare it to what’s available elsewhere, Flunch has become expensive. My son and I spent 25.15 euros for lunch today. If I had gone to one of the many fast food restaurants around us, the two meals would have cost me around fifteen euros.” So will the chain manage to get back on its feet, so that “fluncher” becomes popular with the French again?