"Trains, rains and BSE" to blame for poor sales at Gowrings

Like-for-like restaurant sales at Gowrings were down 2% during 2000, the company said today.

Gowrings operates a chain of 38 Burger King restaurants, of which 27 are in the south and south-west of England and 11 in the Midlands.

It warned in August that trade during the summer had fallen compared with 1999. An improvement in early September was not sustained.

"The drive-thru restaurants in particular suffered as a result of the fuel crisis," Gowrings said.

Things got worse in November and December, a situation the company blamed on "poor weather and rail disruption".

It also claimed "media speculation over European beef had a negative influence on demand in the UK".

Gowrings still plans to open five new Burger Kings this year in Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Portsmouth, Havant and Reading.

The firm also runs three car dealerships and four bodyshops.