Yum! Brands-owned Pizza Express has reported less than favourable first half year profits, due to industry-wide cost pressures, the chain stated.
The casual dining group's UK and Ireland sales were mainly flat, with only a 0.5% rise, while international sales rose 11.5%.
Chief executive Jinlong Wang said, “Costs across the sector continue to rise and this offset the revenue growth.
“We will continue to maintain our focus on cost control, further improving productivity and efficiency, and are taking a measured approach to expanding our estate.”
Pizza Express, which was founded in 1965, currently has 480 restaurants across the UK, and 148 abroad in Asia and the Middle East.