Galito’s planning UK entry, sees potential for it being brand’s biggest overseas market: South African peri peri chicken franchise Galito’s has told Propel it is planning to enter the UK and sees the potential for it being the brand’s biggest overseas market. Founded in 1996 by former Nando’s franchisee Louis Germishuys, Galito’s now operates in 19 countries – with its landmark 300th location set to open early next year. That will probably be too early for it to be a UK location, but if Germishuys has his way, a debut UK site won’t be too far behind. “The UK market is of special interest to me because I go and look at where the competition has been successful,” he said. “It’s very cosmopolitan and there is plenty of opportunity in the market for us in terms of pricing, positioning and trends. I think we can also do really well in secondary markets with our smaller footprint and ability to service high volume delivery orders with no drop in quality. Kenya is our second biggest market behind South Africa with about 36 sites, but the potential in the UK is so much bigger. I’d be happy if we have a first store here by the middle of next year, but we want to get it right. I can’t just have one or two in the UK, I want someone with the vision for hundreds. I don’t see entering the UK as a challenge – go and try opening stores in Lahore!” Germishuys said all but about ten Galito’s stores are franchised, and he himself owns three independently. “In my first store, I’m treated as a franchisee rather than the chief executive, which keeps my finger on the pulse,” he said. “I get grief in my boardroom as I’m very pro-franchisee because I feel their pain!” Galito’s has now partnered with consultants Platinum Wave Franchising to find the right partner to roll the brand out with here. “I probably get 50 calls a week from the UK from prospective franchisees who want to be in the peri peri sector,” he added. “But I’ve learnt we can’t grow with mom-and-pop outfits who just want to open one outlet. We’re looking for guys already in the business who want to diversify. I have been meeting with multi-unit, multi-brand franchisees who have partnerships with the likes of KFC and Costa, and that’s the calibre of operator we’re looking for. There are opportunities on the high streets, in shopping centres and drive-thrus, and there’s also a big gap in the market in second tier cities. I’ll be patient and find the right partner, it’s about identifying the right person.” Germishuys said when Galito’s does open in the UK, he will invest in its own plant to keep close control of its sauces and marinades rather than outsource them. He added that he wants the chicken “to be the same from London to Cape Town” but that side dishes can be adaptable to local tastes. Galito’s will feature in the next Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, which is an exhaustive guide to the companies offering a food and beverage franchise in the UK and available exclusively to Premium subscribers. The database is updated every two months and the current version features 270 businesses. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Premium Club members to receive next Turnover & Profits Blue Book and videos from Propel’s Talent & Training Conference this week: Premium Club members will receive the next Turnover & Profits Blue Book on Friday (18 October), at noon. The database will feature 60 updated accounts and 16 new companies, taking the total to 994. A total of 624 companies are making a profit while 370 are making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors' earnings for the past five years. Premium Club members will also receive all the videos from the Talent & Training Conference on Friday, at 9am. They include Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, looking at how the sector ensures it maximises the benefits of inclusivity and diversity with panellists including Hannah Plumb, talent and culture director at The Alchemist; Raj Jones, head of diversity, equity and inclusion at Sodexo; and Georgina Warren, global diversity, equity and inclusion director at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Meanwhile, Abi Dunn, founder of Sixty Eight People, debates all things culture and why it supersedes everything with Trudi Parr, of Mollies, Jane Sunley of Hendrick & Hyde, Craig Bunting, of Bear Coffee, and Josh Light, of The Sababah Group. Premium Club members also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who's Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Clubs members will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events including Restaurant Marketer and Innovator (two days in January 2025) and Excellence in Pub Retail (May 2025). Operators that are Premium Club members are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club members receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club members will be sent a dedicated monthly newsletter that will highlight key updates in the sector and direct subscribers to all the vital content their membership offers. Premium Club members also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel group editor Mark Wingett and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

UK Hospitality growth slowing, delivery and coffee and sandwich operators continue to outperform market: Hospitality sales grew 1.6% year-on-year in the 12 weeks ending 1 October 2024, with growth softening to just 0.4% in the latest four weeks, according to analysis from HDI, provider of card spending insight and pricing data to the UK sector. Independents and smaller players are now the best performing sector, with these operators, which represent just over a fifth of the market, bucking the general trend of softening sales performance. Delivery and coffee and sandwich operators continue to outperform the market across all time periods, while fast food and takeaway sales are now underperforming slightly versus the market overall. Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, said: “It’s been a tough summer for hospitality operators, with August being the wettest August for more than 20 years, dampening hopes of pubs, bars and restaurants to be able to make the most of their outdoor spaces. With inflationary pressures easing, headline market growth rates are now looking much more subdued, with several sectors seeing sales declines in the latest four weeks. All eyes now are on the imminent budget, with the hope that this can provide the sector with a degree of stability for the months and years ahead.”

 

Lane7 founder – competitive socialising in the new anchor for landlords: Tim Wilks, founder of boutique bowling company Lane7, has argued that competitive socialising concepts, like his own, are becoming the new anchor tenants for shopping developments across Europe. It comes as the business recently made its international debut, with an opening in Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz, and is seeking to grow its European portfolio by some ten venues over the next two years. He said: “If we don't fill these voids, the nearby restaurants might also fail, and then you have a domino effect. Asset managers had to ask: Who is my new anchor? Cinemas were struggling. The successful ones were rather premium and small. We [competitive socialising] are the new anchor! We are boosting the other offerings and reducing the risk that they will not be able to fulfil their contracts. Asset managers have to realise that you will not get the rent and service charge you previously got. They can’t just look at the individual units; they must understand what we do for the centre, which must be reflected in the contracts. In practice, we do a lot of base rent and turnover, so if we do very well, the landlord can get some upside out of it, which also works for us. If things become a bit quiet for us, our overheads go down. That is our preferred deal. I think it's fair, and it works for the landlord.” Lane7 currently operates 17 entertainment venues in the UK through its eponymous brand, boutique bowling and gaming venue Gutterball and two Level X format venues aimed at families and the youth market. Propel revealed last month that Lane7 is seeking to grow its European portfolio by some ten venues over the next two years, while also having a pipeline of nine new venues in the UK on track to open in 2025. A new report has been produced by Propel on the fast-growing experiential leisure sector. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes more than 180 companies, 3,500 sites and a 35,000-word report. The report is available to Premium Club members. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

 

Interactive map aims to boost City of London’s leisure economy: Leaders in the City of London have stepped up their campaign to attract more pubs, restaurants, markets and even music venues to open in the Square Mile. The City’s governing corporation has launched a new interactive map that will make it easier to identify locations “suitable for opening hospitality venues, markets, premises with extended licensing hours and holding events”. The map forms part of the Destination City initiative, a plan to breathe life back to the Square Mile in the post-pandemic era when a substantial number of employees still work from home, particularly on Mondays and Fridays. It also continues the transformation of the City from its traditional “nine to five” status as a business and finance focused area of Central London, largely deserted in the evenings and at the weekend, to a seven days a week late-night destination. The map is available to view on the City Corporation’s Interactive Maps landing page and will be updated regularly as new data becomes available. Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s licensing committee, James Tumbridge, said: “At the heart of this project is our strong commitment to encouraging good responsible business and investment in the City, as part of our wider ambitions for economic growth.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a Swiss food and beverage business that is looking for a country manager who will oversee all operations across Switzerland, working closely with the company’s regional headquarters in Paris. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This role is pivotal in ensuring that the stores maintain top-tier performance, exceptional guest experiences and strong financial results. The country manager will be the driving force behind the brand’s success across all locations in Switzerland, shaping a people-centric, vibrant culture. The position involves frequently travel between cities to stay connected with the day-to-day operations, ensuring excellence across all stores and collaborate with a passionate team, focusing on operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement.” The salary is up to CHF 120,000 (£105,000). For more information, email irene@corecruitment.com.

 

Promoted content – introducing Maral, the visionary behind Ayal who is sharing Turkmenistan’s flavours with London’s streets: With the help of the McCain Streets Ahead programme, Maral turned her dream into a thriving business. Through Ayal, she offers Londoners a taste of Turkmen cuisine, from Manti dumplings to traditional palav, highlighting the rich heritage of her culture. To find out more, click here. 

 

Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf course sees profit soar after benefiting from foreign currency exchange rates: Donald Trump’s luxury Scottish golf resort, Turnberry, saw its profit soar in the year to 31 December 2023 after benefiting from foreign currency exchange rates. The venue, which features three golf courses and a century-old hotel, last year made its first profit since being bought by the Trumps for a reported $60m in 2014. That £186,261 pre-tax profit in 2022 turned into a profit of £3,835,649 in 2023 after it benefited from a £6,837,355 gain on foreign currency exchange compared with £897,365 in 2022. Overall turnover was down slightly from £21,827,760 in 2022 to £21,138,002, despite an increase of more than a third in golf revenue. “For the year ended 31 December 2023, Trump Turnberry sustained its strong performance from 2022, generating total revenue exceeding £21m for the second consecutive year,” director Eric Trump said. “Highlights included growing golf revenue by 35% over 2022 and driving incremental membership, spa and recreation activity revenue. Payroll and expenses were well controlled, in line with business levels, while overall profitability was impacted by rising regional utility costs, supplier expenses and minimum wage increases. Continual investment from the owners in the resort, and in particular the championship golf courses, will ensure our continued growth into 2024 onwards in the luxury market. The group has reported an operating profit before depreciation and foreign currency exchange of £1,080,609 (2022: £3,259,235). Additionally, a gain on foreign currency exchange has been reflected in these financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023, resulting in a profit for the financial year of £3,835,649 (2022: £186,261).” No dividend was paid (2022: nil). 

 

Bella Italia to open fourth Bristol restaurant as it returns to expansion trail: Bella Italia, the Big Table Group-owned brand, is opening its fourth restaurant in Bristol as it returns to the expansion trail. The site will open on Thursday (17 October) at Aspects Leisure Park. It will join the brand’s existing restaurants in the city – at Baldwin Street, at Cribbs Causeway and in Filton. A Bella Italia spokesperson said: “We’ve seen incredible demand for Bella Italia in Bristol and Aspects Leisure Park is the perfect spot for our next opening thanks to its lively mix of entertainment options.” It comes after Alan Morgan, chief executive of Big Table Group, told Propel in August that Bella Italia was to return to the expansion trail. Last month, the 70-strong Bella Italia launched its first rewards app.

 

Chopstix expands south of England footprint with new Portsmouth site: Chopstix, the QSRP-backed business, has strengthened its relationship with experienced foodservice operators Darren and Naomi Godfrey, with the franchisees opening their second site under the fast-growing, quick service brand, in Portsmouth. Chopstix said the new site in the city’s Commercial Road follows a highly successful site opening earlier this year for the Godfreys in Guildford, as the franchisees look to develop a pipeline of sites across the south of England. Chopstix said the opening of the Portsmouth site comes as the brand continues to deliver “strong sales across its portfolio”. Aaron Moore-Saxton, Chopstix franchise director, said: “Naomi and Darren are everything we want in a franchise partner; passion for the brand, great experience operating quick service restaurant (QSR) businesses and significant local knowledge, I have no doubt they’ll have success in Portsmouth and help us in our ambition to bring the Chopstix brand to even more people across the UK.” Chopstix Group, founded in London in 2002, currently operates more than 150 sites across its Chopstix, Yangtze and Chozen Noodle brands. Earlier this month, Switzerland QSR platform QSRP acquired a majority stake in Chopstix, for an undisclosed sum, to help drive the brand’s expansion in the UK and new European markets. Founded in 2014, QSRP has a presence in seven main countries, with a portfolio of more than 1,240 restaurants, including 144 virtual kitchens.

 

Wingstop opens in Ealing as it strengthens London footprint: Wingstop, which is being rolled out here by Lemon Pepper Holdings and is currently seeking new investment, has opened its latest restaurant, in Ealing, west London. It has opened a 2,750 square-foot, 40-cover site in New Broadway. The brand’s 21st site in the capital, it has created 70 jobs. Wingstop UK chief executive Chris Sherriff said: “We are thrilled to bring Wingstop to Ealing, expanding our reach across London. The success of our existing locations shows the demand is there, and we’re excited to bring our bold flavours to even more communities as we continue to grow. With 2025 shaping up to be another landmark year, we’re looking forward to further building our presence across the UK.” Wingstop currently operates 51 sites in the UK and is on track to open 18 new locations in 2024, with a secured pipeline for 2025 and plans to exceed this figure next year.

 

Blank Street Coffee lines up first openings in Scotland: US coffee brand Blank Street Coffee has lined up two sites in Edinburgh, as it looks to make its debut in Scotland before the end of the year. Propel understands that the brand, which is closing in on the 40-site mark in the UK, has lined up an opening in the former Ernest Jones jewellery shop on the corner of Princes Street and Hanover Street, in the Scottish capital. At the same time, it is believed to have also applied to open at 5 India Buildings, in the city’s Victoria Street. Earlier this month, Issam Freiha, co-founder of Blank Street Coffee, said the UK market is a driving force of the company’s overall growth strategy. Freiha founded the business in New York in 2020 with Vinay Menda. The brand currently operates circa 50 sites in New York City plus outposts in Boston and Washington DC. It launched in the UK, in London, in 2022 and operates 31 sites in London, three in Manchester and two in Birmingham. Propel understands Blank Street is searching for sites in Glasgow, while Cardiff and Leeds are also on the company’s radar. 

 

Mowgli to open second London site next month: Mowgli, the Nisha Katona-led, TriSpan-backed business, will open its second site in London next month, at Westfield Stratford. Propel revealed earlier this summer that the 24-strong business had secured the former Tapas Revolution site at the east London scheme for an opening this year. Mowgli, which made its debut in the capital in Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, will open the new site on Friday, 15 November. Katona said: “I still design each one with as much passion and enthusiasm as I would my own living room. I’m excited to bring our super fresh Indian home kitchen to the shoppers and diners of London. Hobs on soon, Stratford.” The company said its next opening, on the old Café Royale in Nelson Street, Newcastle, will now happen next spring. Katona said: “This is one of those precious, flagship listed buildings with such a rich history that I need to really get this right. It’s a long and thoughtful build as I need to give her all the character and iconic beauty she deserves. Opening the other side of winter means we’re not rushing and stretching ourselves through a busy Christmas period.” 

 

I am Döner to make Canadian debut this week: I am Döner, the award-winning, better kebab brand backed by Think Hospitality, will launch its first Canadian site this week. Propel revealed exclusively in January that I am Döner had signed a multi-site franchise deal to take the brand into Canada for its second overseas market, with FD Builders set to open five stores in the cities of Toronto and Mississauga in Ontario. The first of these will open on Thursday (17 October), at the corner of Queen West and Spadina in Toronto. Two additional Canadian locations have also been confirmed – Yonge/Sheppard, to open in November 2024, and Pickering, to open in January 2025. The first Canadian store will be I am Döner’s tenth overall, with seven in the UK and two in Dubai. I am Döner chairman James Hacon said: “After a summer spent in Toronto collaborating with our new franchisees to localise our brand and offerings, it quickly became clear that this market is thriving and a perfect fit for I am Döner. As North America’s fastest-growing city, we see Toronto as a golden opportunity for our brand, and we’ve successfully secured some fantastic locations, with many more targets elsewhere in Canada. We’ve embraced our British heritage in the new store design, giving a cheeky nod to the rich history of kebabs in British popular culture.” Faisal Husnain, one of the franchisees behind the brand’s Canadian expansion, added: “We’re gearing up for our I am Döner’s Canada expansion as we prepare to bring our fresh döner flavours to even more food lovers and build something amazing here in Toronto. We are opening a family-first restaurant – we’ve got power sockets for iPads, colouring books, a top-notch kid’s menu, and every meal comes with free seasonal soft-serve ice cream.”

 

Glendola Leisure to open ‘eco-conscious’ venue at London’s Waterloo station: Glendola Leisure, which is owned by the Salussolia family, is to open an “eco-conscious” venue at London’s Waterloo station, Propel has learned. Glendola Leisure is launching Well & Boot, an innovative bar and dining experience. The venue will serve an all-day menu featuring artisanal coffee, craft cocktails and European-inspired small plates and have a strong focus on sustainability. The tap system will deliver a range of draught beer, cocktails and wine and minimise on packaging waste. “We’re thrilled to bring Well & Boot to such a prime location,” said Alexander Salussolia, managing director of Glendola Leisure. “Waterloo station is the perfect place to showcase our vision for the future of hospitality – where top-tier service and sustainability go hand in hand.” Well & Boot, which is set to open in 2025, will add to Glendola Leisure’s portfolio of venues, including the Shilling Brew Pub in Glasgow, Waxy O’Connor’s in Glasgow and London and Gordon Street Coffee in Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

 

Bristol and south Gloucestershire McDonald’s franchisee returns to profit, reports sales boost due to growth in delivery and price rises: McDonald’s franchisee Caspian Networks, which operates 13 restaurants in Bristol and south Gloucestershire, returned to profit in the year to 31 December 2023 and reported a sales boost due to a growth in delivery and incremental price rises. The company turned a pre-tax loss of £855,670 in 2022 into a profit of £249,569. Turnover rose 10.86% from £58,154,215 in 2022 to £64,468,606. Dividends of £100,000 were paid (2022: £160,000). “As a result of the 2023 menu and marketing strategy, alongside the execution of incremental price rises, the company has seen increased sales growth as the company continues to operate against the backdrop of significant macroeconomic challenges,” said director Mike Guerin. “The growth in sales is predominantly due to the continued growth in delivery sales and incremental price rises over the year. The gross profit margin is 64.30% compared with 63.65% in 2022 and is in line with expectations. The financial position of the company is healthy, with the balance sheet showing net assets of £9.18m compared with £9.23m in 2022.”

 

Azzurri Group hires Jim Hingston as new digital and technology director: Azzurri Group – the hospitality investment platform that operates ASK Italian, Zizzi, Coco di Mama and Boojum – has hired Jim Hingston as its new digital and technology director, Propel has learned. Hingston joins the circa 230-strong business after more than four years at The Gym Group, including the past two and a half years as its digital product and technology director. Previous to that he spent almost five years at Debenhams, including just under a year as its head of digital product and customer experience. He joins Azzurri to replace Joel Robinson, who has moved across to head up the company's data platform Openr, which he developed in-house. Azzurri spun off Openr into a separate business earlier this year and began selling it to other sector operators, including Stonegate Group. Robinson, who was previously at Sainsbury’s, joined Azzurri as its digital and technology director in summer 2019. He has become chief technology officer at Openr. 

 

Colicci reports profit and turnover boost in ‘strong year’ for business: Colicci, which operates cafes, restaurants and kiosks across 13 London parks and a kiosk at Westfield Stratford, has reported increased profit and turnover in what it said was a “strong year for the business”. The company reported a pre-tax profit of £1,716,706 for the year to 31 December 2023, up from £1,6868,319 in 2022. Turnover rose from £22,177,931 in 2022 to £24,140,519. “2023 was a strong year for the business, seeing the retention of an existing contract alongside winning two new contracts, providing the cafe catering at the Horniman Museum & Gardens as well as the full public food and beverage contract at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show,” director Josephine Colicci said. “As a result, turnover grew in 2023, with Ebitda remaining level. With the majority of Colicci sites being based in Central London, tourism has a big effect on trade and 2023 saw tourism back to pre-pandemic levels. The outer London café sites all performed well, and while working from home has become the norm, given the sector of the market of which Colicci operates, this did not have a material effect. The demand for takeaway products has reduced further, with average spend growing year on year. While the business focuses on its fixed site operations, 2023 saw Colicci deliver the public food and beverage at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show event. The business successfully catered for 145,000 over the six event days. The performance of the business throughout the pandemic and in 2023 shows an underlying resilience that is able to withstand any challenges that are presented. It is felt that the company is in a strong position for future trading.” Dividends of £246,015 were paid (2022: £85,236). Founded in 1982 by Ernie and Josephine Colicci, the family business started out as a single ice cream van.

 

Criterion secures £25m bank facility for hotel brand expansion: Criterion Capital, the owner of Zedwell Hotels, has secured a new £25m bank facility to expand its Zedwell hotel portfolio across the UK. The company said the loan from Cynergy Bank will enable the business to accelerate the growth of Zedwell Hotels across city-centre locations in the UK, with the aim of reaching 8,000 rooms in total by 2027. There are currently three Zedwell properties in Central London, with a development pipeline of 13 new sites. The company plans to use the new facility to support the expansion of the brand into York, Manchester and Edinburgh. Omar Aziz, director at Criterion Capital, said: “This £25m equity release is pivotal in accelerating the Zedwell brand’s UK-wide expansion. We are looking forward to turning prime sites in cities across the UK into vibrant and thriving hospitality assets.”

 

Soho Coffee expands Pieminister partnership: Soho Coffee Co, which has circa 25 managed sites and a franchised business with stores in the UK, has extended its partnership with fellow franchise business Pieminister, the pie and mash restaurant operator. In March, Pieminister, which runs a retail and wholesale business alongside operating 15 restaurants, partnered with Soho Coffee to offer its pies at its Bristol airport location. It has now launched into four Soho Coffee locations in London – Threadneedle Street, Kingsway, Baker Street, and Covent Garden. Pieminister said: “This expansion follows the success of our partnership with Soho Coffee at its Bristol airport café, and we’re thrilled to be bringing more of our award-winning pies to new fans. Our team is already working on rolling out even more Pieminister offerings across their other locations in the near future.” Earlier this month, Greene King Pub Partners, the leased, tenanted and franchise business unit of Greene King, evolved its Nest Pubs franchise concept through a collaboration with Pieminister. The collaboration will see Nest Pubs serve Pieminister’s new handheld, deep filled pies.

 

Imbiba adds three new operating partners to its senior team: Serial sector investor Imbiba, which backs the likes of Pizza Pilgrims, Clays and Big Fang Collective, has added to its senior team with the appointment of three new operating partners, Samir Shah, Andrew Maxwell and Heidi Duckworth. Shah joins Imbiba from Third Space, the premium boutique gym business, where he was chief financial officer for eight years, during which time the business grew from three to 12 sites, with the business being sold to KSL Partners. Maxwell joins Imbiba having helped buid Boojum, the premium Irish-based burrito business, to 15 sites before selling the company to Azzurri Group. Duckworth is the founder of Rock Up, the UK fun climbing business with multiple venues across the UK, which she grew successfully before selling to Hapik, the French based global climbing business. Darrel Connell, Imbiba managing partner, said: “Samir, Andrew and Heidi each have wide ranging experience as entrepreneurs and operators of industry leading businesses in their respective sub-sectors. Most crucially, their combined success across different geographies and industries is very recent and relevant; an important factor with consumer tastes and priorities evolving faster than ever. I’m sure the many great businesses in our portfolio will greatly benefit from their significant collective experience.”

 

Vietnamese Kitchen Group set to open fourth site for its Kêu concept and seventh overall: The Vietnamese Kitchen Group is set to open a fourth site for its Saigon street food-inspired Kêu concept and seventh overall. It will open the new Kêu in the former Patty & Bun site at 19 London Bridge Road next month, joining its other locations at 9 Poland Street in Soho, 332 Old Street in Shoreditch and 169 London Wall in the City. An expanded menu will feature a wider variety of noodles and rice dishes, including the business’ signature banh mi, and extended hours. There will be noodle house style seating with tables and stools upstairs, while the downstairs will include a long table that can accommodate up to 12 diners. “I am thrilled to bring the Kêu concept to Borough, an area that mirrors the vibrant atmosphere in Saigon,” said founder Hieu Bui. “The expanded menu we have created will introduce more of Saigon’s street food favourites to the capital, and we hope to continue to spread the love for Vietnamese cuisine.” The group also operates two Cay Tre restaurants, in Soho and Hoxton, as well as a single Vite Grill site, in Hoxton. Vietnamese Kitchen Group was founded by Bui in 2003.

 

Manchester operators open first site for new quick-service Detroit pizza restaurant concept, planning to add delivery aspect: Manchester operators Joel Wilkinson and Dan Mullen have opened the first site for their new quick-service pizza restaurant concept, Detroit Slims, and are planning to add a delivery aspect. Propel reported in August that the team – which is behind Manchester venues Ramona, Diecast and The Firehouse – would be launching Detroit Slims this autumn at the city’s Circle Square development. It has now opened the 1,800 square-foot unit at 1 Circle Square in Oxford Road, offering ten-inch rectangle slices of pizza alongside chicken tenders, fries, house-made dips and shakes using real Jersey milk and cream. “Through what we’ve done at Ramona, we’ve looked at how we can get into the high street and quick-service market, as that’s where some of the biggest successes in the hospitality industry are at the moment,” Mullen told the Manchester Evening News. “The key elements for what we do at Detroit Slims are the quality, the price point and the speed of getting orders in people’s hands. People are looking for value today more than ever – we’ve kept it super high-quality while affordable and quick at the same time. We looked at our competitors and they’re making pizzas on an average between eight to 16 minutes – our cooking process means we can cook great pizza fresh in less than six minutes. We’re working on a Slims Room Service that will work like a pizza hotline, where people who live within 150 metres can ring up the number or go on the app and get their order sent to their door in less than 15 minutes, with a 99p delivery charge.”

 

Clays to make regional debut next month with Birmingham launch, features new concept: Clays, the Imbiba-backed, indoor interactive clay shooting experience operator, will make its regional debut next month with an opening in Birmingham – and feature a new concept. Based in Piccadilly Arcade, the location will allow players to decide between a semi-private peg or their very own private room, where they can choose from a collection of six, fully digitalised games. Clays said its unique software ensures “maximum precision down to the sub-millimetre, replicating the real-life sport in a truly immersive experience”. With a capacity for 500 guests, Clays Birmingham will be split across three floors in a 12,000 square-foot space. The venue will be home to eight traditional shooting pegs, four of which will be in private rooms. Each of these pegs will have their own designated area. Guests will be able to order food and drink direct to their peg, from their very own kiosk. Exclusively at the new Birmingham site will also be the “Clays Arcade”, a new concept that creates a quick-fire playing experience for groups as small as two players. Similar to the regular games on offer, the arcade allows guests “faster gameplay opportunities” in a space among other guests. Clays founder and chief executive Tom Snellock said: “We are thrilled we are getting closer to the opening of our latest venue in the heart of Birmingham and are excited to announce the launch of our new concept Clays Arcade, an exclusive for the city. We pride ourselves on offering an incredible social experience with best-in-class hospitality.” In August, Clays ­– which has sites in Moorgate and West India Quay in London – secured £6m of new investment to aid its further expansion, led by French leisure and entertainment group Otium Leisure.

 

Glynn Purnell’s Michelin-starred Birmingham restaurant closes after 17 years: Glynn Purnell, the chef behind Michelin-starred restaurant Purnell’s in Birmingham, has closed the venue, citing a combination of economic pressures and the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry for the decision. Purnell said: “Purnell’s has been my proudest moment, and I am heartbroken to say that after 17 years we have served our final guest. It fills my heart with pride to say that Purnell’s was a roaring success from day one. It won every accolade going, from a Michelin star just a year after opening, to the Craft Guild of Chefs New Restaurant of the Year Award, and the AA Restaurant of the Year Award. Purnell’s has been a place where I have had the privilege of working with some of the greatest talent I’ve ever known, and where I have trained people who are now working in some of the best restaurants in the world, from New York to Australia. However, the world doesn’t stand still. Things have moved on, and times have changed. In this current climate, no-one is bulletproof.” Plates by Purnell’s in Edmund Street in Birmingham and The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley-in-Arden remain open for business as usual. Purnell added: “I will be devoting my time between these two establishments. I’m excited for the future and the next steps in my journey; this isn’t the last you’ve heard of the Yummy Brummie. I'm truly honoured to have played my part in the culinary history of this great city.”

 

Padel Social Club looking to expand presence nationwide: Multi-format padel concept Padel Social Club is looking to expand its presence nationwide. The company launched its first site in London’s Earl’s Court and recently joined The O2’s leisure line-up. A third London site is also set to open, at the Southside shopping centre in Wandsworth. Padel Social Club is now targeting indoor and outdoor spaces between 10,000 and 40,000 square feet. The company has appointed leisure real estate advisory business Stärka to help with its planned expansion. Padel Social Club said it takes a flexible and versatile approach to its locations and formats, ranging from multi-court barns to pop-up or permanent turn-key court installations and activations. Kristian Hunter, co-founder and chief executive of Padel Social Club, said: “We’re excited to continue our rapid expansion across the UK, and with Stärka’s support, we are confident in securing prime locations that align with our vision of creating vibrant spaces where people can connect through sport and lifestyle.” Last month, Padel Social Club hired David C Hill as its new non-executive chairman. Hill was previously chairman of restaurant businesses Mac & Wild and Whyte & Brown, plus Goals Soccer Centres, and is currently chairman of Oxygen Jumping.