Garfunkel's group feasts on middle-income fillip

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Across the whole of 2011 like-for-like sales are up 3.25% with overall revenues rising 7.25%.

"We've got to be happy with that," said Page. "We've had like-for-like growth in 11 out of the last 12 months," he said.

The company behind Frankie & Benny's and Garfunkels now operates 401 restaurants. It hopes to open another 25 to 30 this year, creating around 600 jobs.

Page reckons the "family friendly" offering is key to the success. Being typically located near cinemas and at retail parks rather than on the high street also helps.

Today's figures leave the company on course to meet City profit forecasts of around £60 million for the year.

On the wider economy, Page is more cautious. "I think we are in for another year of grind," he said. "This year will be as difficult as last year."

The shares moved up 1.7p to 288p, which leaves the company valued at £576 million. It now has 10,000 employees.