The Restaurant Group has reported 'further good progress' in trading for the 45 weeks ending 7 November, with like-for-like sales up 0.25 per cent.

Against the same period in 2009, the restaurant operator saw group turnover grew by 8 per cent and continues to perform in line with board expectations. During the current year, TRG has opened 18 new eateries and expects to unveil between 23-25 for the 12 months as a whole. Next year, it is expected up to 27 new sites will open.

A TRG spokesperson said: "The group has continued to trade resiliently, with like-for-like sales growth, since we provided our last update at the beginning of September. "Looking forward to 2011, we expect a continuation of current trading conditions with ongoing pressures on consumer spending from tax rises and potentially higher unemployment."

The group operates more than 380 restaurants under the Chiquito, Frankie and Benny's and Garfunkel brands.