Polish restaurant Mamuska looking to expand across the UK
Ian Coll told BigHospitality's sister publication MCA Insight, that Polish cuisine was unexploited in the UK, yet due to the integration of Poles in Britain could become a favoured option.
He said the his casual dining concept was growing fast and particularly popular with adventurous diners in their 20s. The site at Elephant and Castle in London, turned over £65k in September – double the takings for the same month in 2014.
Coll, who is British-Canadian but whose wife is Polish, is in talks with agents about new Mamuśka sites in London and is keen to go areas like White City, Old Street and Angel Islington.
He said: “We could do another five inside the M25 with no problem at all and probably another six in the UK.
“We’re looking at cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol and Edinburgh, places with young, trendy, foodie people.”
He said he has money in the bank for a prudent rollout, though would consider private equity options.
Polish concept
The concept, which he believes could also work in Europe, was inspired by the so-called milk bars of Poland, Soviet-era casual diners which served dairy dishes in the absence Moscow-bound meat.
It was initially expected to attract a dominant Polish clientele, though the majority of customers have turned out to be non-Polish.
The business started out in the Elephant and Castle shopping centre, but since moving to the main road takings are well up.
It serves traditional hearty Polish fare such as pierogi dumplings, borscht beetroot soup and schabowy breaded pork fillet with sauerkraut, as well as Polish beers and vodkas.
Coll said uncertainties over Brexit and the immigrations status of Poles in the UK were a cause for concern, but he was reassured by a post-vote spike in takings and by customers who told him they would continue to visit the restaurant out of solidarity.
Competing with multiple operators to secure prime property was tough, but he said he was prepared to be creative over locations and fit-outs.
Coll added: “Funding and financing is not the issue. Finding the right place at the price is. I’m happy to off the beaten track and make a place work.”
Mamuska is currently hiring for a senior line cook. Visit BigHospitality Jobs for details.
