Big Table Group acquires Banana Tree brand

The nine-strong group will continue to be led by managing director Anne Chow, who will report to The Big Table Group’s chief executive officer, Alan Morgan.

William Chow, who founded the Banana Tree brand in Maida Vale, West London, almost 30 years ago, will continue to work with the group to oversee the design of new Banana Trees with The Big Table Group team.

Big Table, which also owns the Bella Italia brand, says the Banana Tree’s pan-Asian proposition adds a key culinary category to its existing portfolio.

“We are delighted to be welcoming the Banana Tree team to The Big Table Group,” says Morgan.

“Creating, growing and acquiring high-quality, complimentary brands with widespread consumer appeal is a key part of our growth strategy and therefore Banana Tree is an excellent addition to the business.

“Anne and William have built a brand with an extremely loyal following, superb food and guest scores, plus excellent financial metrics, and we see great opportunities to grow the business, taking it into new towns and cities around the UK.”

The Banana Tree's estate is primarily based in the capital, but it also operates sites in Chelmsford, Milton Keynes and Oxford.

“We are very excited about this new chapter with The Big Table Group, and look forward to working with our new colleagues and bring our beloved brand to new customers across the UK,” says Anna Chow. 

Last year, The Big Table Group – which is backed by leading private equity group Epiris – announced plans to open 50 new restaurants and refurbish 70 existing sites over the next three years, investing £35m in new openings alone.

The investment programme will take the group to 200 restaurants across the UK, while the company intends to invest a further £19m to refurbish its restaurants.