Mon 6th Oct 2014 - Friska to open ten more sites after £1.25m investment Friska to open ten more sites after £1.25m investment: Bristol-based healthy fast food chain Friska has secured £1.25 million of investment to open ten new sites in Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester. The money, which has been raised through two angel investors and Santander, forms the first stage of the company’s national roll-out plans. Since opening their first site in 2009, founders Ed Brown and Griff Holland have opened four sites across the city, serving globally inspired fresh fast food and speciality coffee. The duo plan to open at least one more Bristol outlet before opening in Birmingham in early 2015. A similar cluster of stores is currently in the pipeline for both Birmingham and Manchester. The successful funding round comes on the back of consistently strong financial performance, which saw Friska increase sales by 50% between 2013 to 2014. Next year, the company is forecast to hit over £2.5 million in turnover coupled with healthy profit margins. Reflecting on the investment, Brown said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for Friska. Since opening in 2009 we have always had big plans and have been focused on growing a successful and, crucially, well-loved business by our customers and colleagues alike. To see the plan coming together is just fantastic.” Holland added: “This year really has been the most exciting one yet. Our focus on re-defining expectations within our sector is becoming a reality and we can’t wait to open in Birmingham and Manchester.” The deal was overseen by Matt Eves and Peter Doe of Isca Ventures, who have previously worked with Loungers, Taylor Street Baristas and Parsons Bakery. On successful completion of the deal, Doe said: “Friska’s ‘on-the-money’ customer proposition of feel-good food coupled with their efficient operations have enabled the founders to raise significant capital and start their exciting national roll-out.” This news caps off a successful year for the company in which it has received several high profile awards. Friska made the Smarta Breakthrough 50 and has been named a winner in the O2 Smarta 100, topped Business West Insider’s top 42 Under 42 list, made the Institute Directors shortlist for the South West region, startups.co.uk Young Guns award and came regional runner-up for the PwC Private Business Awards for Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year and Private Business of the Year. The founders are also currently in discussions with an international franchise operator to take Friska to new developments in major leisure and transport hubs. Founded in Bristol in 2009, Friska serves breakfast, lunch and great coffee around its idea of ‘feel good food’ – globally inspired food made using the best quality, fresh and responsibly sourced ingredients.