Former Frankie and Benny’s restaurant site could be set for revival

A long-empty restaurant building in Blackpool which once thronged with people dining out before visiting the nearby cinema could be on its way back into use.

The former Frankie and Benny’s restaurant, off Rigby Road, closed three years ago and since then it has been shuttered and empty.

However, next month will see the official opening of the new Tenpin bowling centre, which has taken over the old Odeon Cinema site.

The new attraction, which will feature a host of activities aside from bowling, is expected to draw huge numbers back to the Festival Park site.

And it is hoped that will create renewed interest in the former eatery premises.

The building is being offered for let by agents Barker Proudlove, who say: “This property is situated in a central location, approximately 325 metres from the Promenade, accessed via Rigby Road, linking Central Drive and Seasider’s Way.

“The premises currently has a rateable value of £81,000. The ground floor (Gross Internal Area is 3,995sq.ft. (371sq.m).

“A new effectively full repairing lease is available for a term of years to be agreed.”

Details of the rent will be given upon application.

It was three years ago, to the month, that the  Frankie and Benny’s outlet  was said to be on a list of 18 eateries around the country earmarked for closure by owners The Restaurant Group (TRG).
The company expected that it would save around £5m by closing the restaurants, along with four Chiquito restaurants which it also owned.
At that time the Restaurant Group ran 410 venues across the UK which includes the brands Frankie and Benny’s, Chiquito, Wagamamas, Brunning & Price and Coast to Coast.
At that time Frankie and Benny’s was among the longest standing tenants on the Festival Park.
Since the there have been changes on the site: Club 3000 Bingo replaced the former Swift Hound pub,  which was demolished to make way for the development.
And the Tenpin centre  will open on Friday, June 5, 2026.
This new £3 million entertainment centre will offer 24 modern bowling lanes, private karaoke rooms, laser tag, interactive darts, Houdini’s Escape Rooms, a large arcade, pool tables, soft play for kids, and a cocktail bar/diner.
Those interested in the former Frankie and Benny’ site, which is also advertised on Rightmove, can visit the Barker Proudlove website.