Comptoir Group returns to expansion trail with first UK opening in four years
The Lebanese and Middle Eastern group will launch a new site under its flagship Comptoir Libanais brand next month in Ealing, London.
While it is the group's first UK opening in-house for four years, Comptoir did launch a new site last year under franchise at Stanstead airport.
The 3,325sq ft Ealing restaurant will offer both dine-in and takeaway options with an all-day menu featuring hot and cold mezze sharing platters, grills, salads and wraps.
There will also be an extensive drinks selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails inspired from the region, as well as Lebanese wines from Kara and specialist beers.
“I am delighted to announce the opening of the first restaurant in four years,” says Nick Ayerst, CEO at Comptoir Group.
“Ealing is a thriving hub and our new location will serve guests from across west London, as we continue to deliver our well- loved authentic Middle Eastern food and culture.”
Ayerst was appointed to the role of CEO in October last year following a tumultuous period for the group that saw former chief executive Chaker Hanna and chairman Richard Kleiner step down from their respective roles following calls from Comptoir founder Tony Kitous for them to resign.
In its latest accounts, which covered its 2022 financial year, the group posted revenue of £31.7m, a rise of 49.7% on the year before.
Comptoir Group runs a total of 20 restaurants under its Comptoir Libanais brand, with a further six under counter service concept Shawa.
The group’s estate is primarily based in the UK and mostly operated in-house, but it has also expanded internationally with its franchise partner HMSHOST and has restaurants in the Netherlands, Qatar and Dubai.
