JKS signs lease on first permanent site in New York: JKS Hospitality has signed a lease on a site in New York, for an opening later this year. The business has signed a 15-year lease with New York City-based GDS Development Management, and the Sweden-based property owner Corem, for a new 7,900-square-foot restaurant at the ground and lower levels at 1245 Broadway. 1245 Broadway is a 23-story class-A office building at the corner of 31st Street and Broadway, in NoMAD, one of New York City’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. JKS has yet to reveal what it will open in the space, but hasn’t ruled out opening another Gymkhana. JKS currently operates the two-Michelin-starred Gymkhana in London’s Mayfair. The group also operates Kitchen Table (two star), Trishna (one star), and Lyle’s (one star), and also backs the likes of Sabor (one star), Bao, Berenjak, Hoppers, Brigadiers, and Speedboat Bar. JKS made its debut in the US last year with the opening of a site under Berenjak, the Persian-influenced brand it founded with Kian Samyani, in New York. Berenjak opened at Soho House’s Dumbo House as part of a two-year residency. “We are thrilled to welcome JKS to 1245 Broadway,” said Michael Kirchmann, chief executive of GDS Development Management. “It is a restaurant group of unparalleled creativity and renown, which brings incredible value to our 1245 Broadway community with this full-service restaurant.” 1245 Broadway, which has become known as the star-studded film and media headquarters for Manhattan, is home to A24 Films, which swept the Oscars in 2023 with 18 nominations and nine wins. The building is also the headquarters for 101 Studios, which produces the likes of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone, 1923 and Tulsa King. “We are excited to have the opportunity to introduce one of our restaurants at 1245 Broadway,” said Jyotin Sethi, chief executive and co-founder of JKS. “The architectural vision and quality of this project aligns with our vision at JKS. We look forward to opening our first restaurant in New York City and becoming part of the buildings’ community.” Last month, JKS told Propel that 2024 was a successful year for its brands, and that it aimed to identify growth opportunities internationally across the Middle East and the US over the next 12 months. It came as the business reported turnover of £73,658,364 for the 65 weeks to 31 March 2024, with adjusted Ebitda for the period of £8,550,227. At 31 March 2024, the company operated 25 restaurants across the UK and the Middle East. 

Propel’s International Brands report showcasing the 100 top global hospitality operators in the UK available to pre-order now: Propel’s highly anticipated International Brands report, featuring the 100 leading international brands in UK hospitality, launches this March and is available to pre-order now. This comprehensive 30,000-word report covers company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and turnover figures – an essential resource for industry professionals. The top 100 features fast-growing brands from major international markets, including the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. The guide will be delivered in two formats: an introductory PDF featuring expert analysis on international brands and a fully searchable Excel sheet for quick access to key data. This data will be categorised into the key sectors of pubs and bars, hotels, quick-service restaurants (QSR), casual dining, cafés and bakeries, experiential leisure, and fine dining. Industry experts sharing their insights in the report include Keith Bird, former chief executive of Marugame Udon, on the challenges of introducing an international brand into the UK; Simon Chaplin, senior director of pubs, restaurants and franchise at Christie & Co, on why London remains a prime entry point for international brands; Matteo Frigeri, founder of Seeds Consulting, on the challenges of recruiting the right UK franchisee; Michael Ingemann, director of Think Hospitality, on why European brands choose the UK for expansion; and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova on the UK market for QSR operators. The International Brands report will be available from 9am on Friday, 28 March, priced at £595 plus VAT. Existing Premium Club subscribers can purchase at a discounted rate of £395 plus VAT. Premium Club subscribers will also receive the report free of charge on Friday, 9 May at 9am. Secure your copy now – pre-order today by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.