I am interested to know what people in the industry think of the recent closures of many branches of chain restaurants that has been happening in the last few weeks. My own opinion is that it comes down to a simple case of supply and demand.  When the market is saturated with so much of the same kind of thing, its value reduces. 

And when many of those restaurants cost too much to set up, and have agreed to excessive rents in a desperate clamour for expansion, they become unsustainable. Times may difficult at the moment because of a certain amount of uncertainty amongst the general public ( Will I be poisoned by Russia? Who will replace Ken Dodd? Am I still allowed to open a door for somebody?), is this not a time for concern, but a time for opportunity for the smaller operator.  Is this the time for them to gain market share by really highlighting their strengths?   I feel that it really is a time for hard work and a time to create a strong identity for independents. Thoughts anybody?