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TGI Fridays’ UK franchise has been acquired by Breal Capital and Calveton in a deal that will save at least 51 of the American bar and restaurant brand’s sites. The announcement this week secures the future of over 2,000 jobs across those restaurants. However, 36 TGI sites are set to close, resulting in approximately 1,000 job redundancies. The new owners are optimistic about securing additional locations after discussions with landlords, though administrators Teneo confirmed that the 36 restaurants have closed immediately.
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Permanently Unique is looking to expand its Greek-Mediterranean concept Fenix and Italian-American brand Louis to London next year, following their successful run in Manchester. The group, which also owns the upscale Chinese brand Tattu, is currently negotiating a London site for Fenix and is developing a ‘landmark location’ for Louis anticipated to launch next summer. This follows a financial update from the Manchester-based operator indicating the acquisition of a £15m revolving credit facility with NatWest to support further expansion. Next year, the group will also debut Tattu in Dubai, expected to open in summer 2025.
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Orry Shand, executive chef at Entier Ltd, Scotland’s largest independent catering company, has been named National Chef of the Year 2024. Shand received the title this week alongside Jonny Smith, junior sous chef at Gravetye Manor, who was honored as Young National Chef of the Year. The National Chef of the Year competition featured ten finalists, with the winners announced at the Hippodrome in London’s Leicester Square. Cleverson Cordeiro from Frog by Adam Handling improved from third place in 2023 to runner-up this year, while Paul Gamble from Waitrose & Partners secured third place. Shand impressed judges with his menu, which included turbot with smoky Orkney scallop, Lumina lamb with seasonal Scottish ingredients, and an Asian-influenced dessert featuring Manjari Valrhona.
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Caviar House & Prunier has closed over half of its UK airport locations following an administration sales process that preserved 67 jobs across three sites. Caviar House Airport Premium (CHAP) went into administration on September 6, 2024, with joint administrators appointed from Insolvency & Recovery Limited and FTS Recovery Limited. The business and its assets were sold to SBC Travel Limited, a new company with Peter Rebeiz, CEO of the broader Caviar House & Prunier business, as a principal owner.
- Michael Caines has closed his Devon restaurants Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant and Café Patisserie Glacerie after three years. The coastal venues, located at Side Shore in Exmouth, shut down on October 9 in anticipation of a sale to a local operator. Caines expressed gratitude to customers and suppliers in a statement, reflecting on the enjoyment of serving the community and thanking his team for their support during challenging times. He is pleased to announce the sale of the business to another local operator who shares a passion for relaxed dining.
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