Café Rouge owner Tragus, the private-equity backed restaurant group, has delayed its decision on whether to conduct an initial public offering for shares in the company next year.

Tragus said in August that a stock market floatation remained “an option” for the Strada owner as it prepared for life outside of private equity backers Blackstone.

According to reports today the IPO, which was originally mooted for the first quarter of 2008, has been delayed because of volatile market conditions and fears over consumer spending.

Since the option was revealed in August high-street dining rival Clapham House Group, owner and operator of Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Tootsies, have seen their share price collapse on the back of consumer spend fears, food price inflation and rent hikes.

Meanwhile both Gaucho Grill and Wagamama have postponed floats citing highly volatile stock market conditions.

Stock market flotation remains an option for Café Rouge owner >>

Tragus to focus on Strada and Café Rouge >>

Tragus buys Strada restaurant chain for £140m >>

Clapham House admits concerns about uncertain economy >>

Gaucho Grill confirms £125m buyout >>

By Christopher Walton