Business Profile

PizzaExpress at 50: What's next for the chain?

16-Jul-2018 By Mel Flaherty

As the pioneer of casual dining in the UK, PizzaExpress holds a unique position in the nation's hearts. And it is now hoping to pull at its strings.

Business Profile: Brasserie Blanc

10-Jan-2017 By Stefan Chomka

Five years ago French chain Brasserie Blanc was a brand in stasis. But a revamp of the entire estate and a move into the pub sector means it has rediscovered its je ne sais quoi.

Business Profile: San Carlo

13-Dec-2016 By Stefan Chomka

Family-run Italian restaurant group San Carlo is switching focus away from its northern heartland to expand across the capital.

Business Profile: Coco di Mama

09-Nov-2016 By Mark Wingett

Under its parent company the Azzurri Group, grab-and-go Italian restaurant brand Coco di Mama is bringing its faster pasta to the masses.

Business Profile: Pizza Pilgrims

06-Oct-2016 By Stefan Chomka

Brothers James and Thom Elliot have created a fun-loving restaurant business where the vibes are as important as the food. And the Pizza Pilgrims party has only just begun. 

Business Profile: Flat Iron

06-Sep-2016 By Mel Flaherty

Charlie Carroll has turned the traditional steakhouse model on its head with Flat Iron, his affordable steak restaurant brand. And the secret’s in the name

Business Profile: Benugo

11-Aug-2016 By Stefan Chomka

Ben Warner was on holiday in South Africa when the fallout from his company’s plans to take over a family-run café on Hampstead Heath began. 

Business Profile: Boston Tea Party

12-Jul-2016 By Mark Wingett

The 18-strong café and restaurant group Boston Tea Party is moving beyond its south-west heartland. But it still doesn’t want to be called a chain. 

Business Profile: Individual Restaurant Company

06-Jun-2016 By Mark Wingett

Piccolino and Bar & Grill owner Individual Restaurant Company has kept a low profile in recent years. But with the remodelling of its estate and a tie-up with an Italian TV chef, it is no longer keeping its qualities to itself. 

Business Profile: New Moon Co

10-May-2016 By Emma Eversham

With four gastropubs and four different restaurant brands, New Moon Co is building a diverse portfolio across the north. 

Business Profile: Camino

07-Mar-2016 By Joe Lutrario

Former commodities trader Richard Bigg swapped platinum and cooper for jamon Iberico and palo cortado to create Camino, a fun-loving Spanish group that blurs the lines between restaurant and bar.

Business Profile: The Breakfast Club

09-Feb-2016 By Mark Wingett

All-day café chain The Breakfast Club might have an obsession with the ’80s but it’s very much a restaurant brand of the moment

Business Profile: Rossopomodoro

11-Jan-2016 By Joe Lutrario

After an underwhelming start in the UK, in the hands of Handley Amos, Neapolitan pizza chain Rossopomodoro has begun to expand steadily thanks to a menu overhaul and a forward-thinking link-up with John Lewis.

Business Profile: Jamie's Italian

07-Dec-2015 By Mark Wingett

Jamie’s Italian outpaced the branded competition during the downturn. But can one of Britain’s most successful casual dining brands maintain pole position at home as it continues to build its presence overseas?

Business Profile: Byron

10-Nov-2015 By Mark Wingett

Two years on from its change in ownership and with a ‘full deck’ of 52 sites, Byron is pushing on to the next stage of growth under its founder Tom Byng.