A SOURDOUGH pizza chain is to open a new restaurant in Hove.

Franco Manca is to open a new branch in Church Road later this year.

Its menu offers a range of meaty, vegetarian and vegan pizzas, as well as sides and deserts.

The Argus: Franco Manca is to open a new restaurant in Hove Franco Manca is to open a new restaurant in Hove

The site of the new venue has been empty since Italian restaurant Barcode closed in 2020.

In August last year, Franco Manca owner Fulham Shore identified 150 sites for potential new restaurants.

The group, which also runs the Real Greek chain, owns more than 50 Franco Manca sites across the country.

The Argus: Franco Manca Franco Manca

The Church Road restaurant will be Franca Manca’s second site in the city after opening a site in Regent Street, Brighton, in 2016.

Fulham Shore has enjoyed a strong increase in sales across both of its brads since May last year when coronavirus restrictions on hospitality were lifted.

A spokesman for the company said it was eyeing up expansion plans, having previously said it expected opportunities to open up with rivals going bust during the pandemic.

Franco Manca has been approached for comment.