Yo! Sushi's Robin Rowland named retailer of the year

Yo! Sushi chief executive Robin Rowland has been named best individual by his peers at this year`s Retailers` Retailer Awards. 

Rowland, who was credited with turning around the fortunes of the fast-casual restaurant chain, beat a shortlist of individuals which included JD Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin, Whitbread chief executive Alan Parker and Pret a Manger founder Julian Metcalfe, to win the accolade at last night`s awards. 

Mark Stretton, editor of M&C Report​, the organiser of the awards, said Rowland, was `a passionate leader and a genuine business builder who has created massive shareholder value`. 

"He is largely responsible for transforming his company from an exciting concept into an international thriving business," he added. 

The awards also honoured high street pub operator JD Wetherspoon which was named best company and Nando`s, winner of the sector`s best concept. 

Jamie`s Italian, the Italian restaurant chain set up by Jamie Oliver, won two accolades. It was voted best emerging concept and its managing director Simon Blagden was voted Rising Star.  

Winners of the awards, now in their 11th year, are determined by a 700-strong bank of senior operators, industry experts and suppliers – known as the Retailers’ Academy – who nominate the shortlists in each category. The shortlists are then sent back out to the Academy for final voting, with the finalists with the most votes emerging as the winners.

For more information visit www.rroty.co.uk​

The full list of winners are: ​

Retailers` Retailer of the Year -  Robin Rowland, Yo! Sushi
Emerging Concept - Jamie`s Italian
Best Concept - Nando`s
Best Company - JD Wetherspoon
Best Venue - Vapiano, London
Deal of the Year - Bridgepoint/Pret A Manger
Investor of the Year - Richard Caring
Revitalised Brand - Costa Coffee
Rising Star - Simon Blagden, Managing Director, Jamie`s Italian

Business profile: Robin Rowland of YO! Sushi