Busaba Eathai expanding in the North of England

By Sophie Witts

27-Mar-2015 - Last updated on 27-Mar-2015 at 10:26 GMT

Busaba Eathai was created by Alan Yau as his interpretation of the Thai canteen

Related tags: United kingdom, England

Alan Yau's Busaba Eathai has announced plans to expand in the North of England after securing a site in Manchester, followed closely by one in Leeds.

The Thai casual dining concept will open in the heart of Manchester's retail sector, in Exchange Triangle at the gate of Print Works.

The 7.383 sq.ft site will feature classic Busaba Eathai dishes as well as children’s and dessert options.

Busaba’s CEO, Jason Myers, said: “This is a pivotal and extremely exciting time for us as we plan to expand rapidly over the coming years. We have taken our time to grow carefully and sustainably over the past fifteen years, cementing our position as the UK’s leading Thai restaurant group. Now it is time to share our tried and tested food and atmosphere with more of the country.”

Wagamama founder Yau first opened Busaba Eathai in Soho in 1999, the chain has since expanded to 12 sites in the UK, and one in Dubai.

Speaking to BigHospitality in 2014, Busaba’s finance director Brigid Hughes said plans were in place to grow to 20 sites by 2017.

Busaba Eathai Manchester will open in the last quarter of this year.