Lunch Garden returns to profit and develops city-centre concept

Lunch Garden returned to profit in 2025 for the first time since 2019. Following its bankruptcy and acquisition by CIM Capital, the restaurant chain is focusing on refurbishments and developing a new concept for Belgian city centres. For those considering Belgium’s franchise market, the combination of company-operated restaurants, independent operators and several potential growth avenues is particularly relevant.

Profit after bankruptcy and acquisition

Lunch Garden recorded a net profit of around €280,000 in 2025. The figure was reported by Gazet van Antwerpen, according to an article published by L’Express Franchise on 15 October 2026. In 2023, the chain had posted a loss of more than €7 million.

The return to profit follows a major restructuring. Lunch Garden was declared bankrupt in January 2025 with debts of €77 million. Antwerp-based investment firm CIM Capital acquired the chain and retained two-thirds of its restaurants.

Less profitable sites closed as part of the acquisition, including those in Wilrijk, Olen and on Antwerp’s Meir shopping street. The latest result therefore needs to be viewed in the context of a smaller restaurant network. The profit does not mean that all former locations have become profitable again: some are no longer part of the network.

The reported net profit also relates to 2025. Although the news emerged in October 2026, it is not a final profit figure for 2026.

Refurbishments reshape the dining experience

A key part of the relaunch is a plan to refurbish five restaurants a year. This also changes how customers choose their meals. The fixed route towards the till is being replaced by food stations that diners can move between more freely. The range of starters has also been expanded.

The refurbished restaurant at Wijnegem Shopping Center saw turnover rise by 28 per cent. Growth of 6 per cent was reported for restaurants that have not yet been refurbished. CEO Sabine Vanderveken therefore regards the refurbishments as a success.

These figures explain why refurbishment plays a central role in the recovery plan. They are not, however, a general promise of returns for every location. The reported 28 per cent increase relates to Wijnegem and should not simply be extrapolated across the network.

Further work has already been scheduled: Lier is due for refurbishment in late 2027, followed by Schoten in 2028. The programme therefore extends beyond a one-off refresh following the acquisition.

More staff, with a clear distinction between figures

The 25 restaurants operated directly by Lunch Garden increased their workforce from 247 to 313 employees over a year. That represents 66 additional permanent contracts. The remaining restaurants trading under the Lunch Garden name are run by independent operators.

For prospective franchise investors and operators, this distinction matters. The staffing increase applies only to company-operated restaurants, not to the network as a whole.

The scope of the turnover figures is different. In July, management reported gross turnover of €91.4 million for 2025, including VAT and turnover generated by independent operators. Franchising Belgium covered the announcement at the time. For 2026, the chain is targeting turnover of €104 million and 7.2 million customer visits.

Those latter figures are targets, not results already achieved. Taken together, however, the data show how Lunch Garden is tracking its recovery: through financial performance, activity across the entire network and staffing levels in its company-operated restaurants.

New city-centre concept to use a different name

Alongside refurbishing existing sites, Lunch Garden is developing a format for city centres, allowing the chain to expand beyond shopping centres. The new concept will retain a focus on Belgian cuisine but introduce table service and trade under a name other than Lunch Garden.

Vanderveken is looking for a prime location for the first restaurant and is prepared to take her time. In July, the ambition was still to launch in the first or second quarter of 2027. That timing is therefore a previously stated expectation, not a confirmed opening date.

The growth plan for 2027–2030 also includes new locations on the outskirts of cities and bids for hospital restaurant contracts. No specific operating model has yet been announced for the new city-centre concept.

Practical takeaway for entrepreneurs: when assessing this recovery, distinguish between network-wide figures and the results of company-operated restaurants. For now, treat the city-centre concept as a development plan, not an announced franchise opportunity.