Planet Hollywood founder launches UK company to drive expansion

The company - Earl Enterprises - will be headed up by managing director Alex Garland, who has been responsible for Planet Hollywood London for the last 10 years. 

Expansion will be focused on the UK as well as The Middle East, Eastern Europe and India with the Earl of Sandwich, currently based at Ludgate Circus in London, expected to be the first brand to be rolled out. 

Global appeal​

High footfall areas, such as shopping centres, stations and airports, are understood to be the target for Earl of Sandwich, which has undergone rapid expansion in the US over the last 18-months. Both partnership deals and franchises will be sought, Garland said. 

“We have some incredible brands which have global appeal, and we are now developing significant opportunities to secure partners we want to work within Eastern Europe, the Middle East and India. I believe we are on track to maintain the growth patterns we have seen in the United States in other worldwide markets," he added. 

Restaurants​

Planet Hollywood, which opened its first site in New York in 1991, has been in London for 20 years, relocating to Haymarket from Trocadero in 2009​. It is thought the restaurant could increase its presence in the UK with Eastern Europe and India key places for future expansion. 

American-Italian restaurant chain Buca di Beppe currently has a presence at five De Vere Village Hotels in the UK. Garland said Buca di Beppe, which Earl bought in 2008 and operates 100 sites in the US, could expand outside a hotel partnership in the future.