GUSTO REVEALS GRAND AMBITIONS WITH £1 MILLION BIRMINGHAM EXPANSION BY TOM KEMBERY
Leading contemporary Italian restaurant group Gusto is expanding its brand with the launch of its first restaurant in Birmingham next month.
The group, which is backed by Palatine Private Equity, has invested more than £1m in the restaurant and bar in Birmingham. The company is currently recruiting for 60 newly created jobs at the restaurant.
The new 130-cover restaurant will be located on the ground floor of iconic Grand Hotel development in the Cathedral Quarter of the city. It will occupy 4000 sq. ft. on the corner of Colmore Row and Church Street and will open on the 23rd of September.
Refurbishment work is now well underway at the Grade II listed building to create the new 130-cover restaurant located within one of the Birmingham's most iconic buildings - The Grand. The refurbishment will see the building transformed, complete with an outside terrace to seat 40 people.
The Grand was one of the Victorian landmarks that led to Birmingham being described as “the most artistic town in England” in the late 19th century. It was once an opulent playground for politicians, film stars and even royalty but closed more than a decade ago.
Horton’s Estate are bringing the Grade II listed 1897 building back to life - and back up to date with the Gusto opening becoming a significant milestone in the restoration of the building.
Managing Director of Gusto, Sue Crimes, said: “This is a very exciting time for Gusto – we are delighted to be opening in Birmingham. We’ve had our sights set on Birmingham for some time and are excited to be spearheading the ongoing food and drink renaissance of the area. Colmore Business District is fast growing its reputation as both a high quality business and leisure location and we are thrilled to be a key part of that development”
“There is currently a burgeoning restaurant scene in the district and we believe our restaurant ethos meetsdirectly with the demographics of area. The venue will be packed with aspirational touches that feel like home, a place where you can feel welcome and special that is perfect for so many occasions.”
Gusto, which opened its first site in Cheshire’s Alderley Edge in 2005, will boast a real sparkly vibe with its fashionable décor and a choice of more than 50 stylish cocktails. The classic and contemporary menu uses fresh, carefully selected, simple ingredients to offer a wide choice of premium European dishes. A lunch and brunch option, comprehensive worldwide wine list and a selection of unique specials.
Knutsford-based Gusto was created in 2007 when Living Ventures rebranded the Est Est Est restaurant chain. In April 2014, Gusto underwent a management buyout in a deal that involved Palatine Private Equity acquiring a 69.51 per cent stake in the business, with the aim of growing the company's portfolio to approximately 26 sites over four to five years.
Gusto has 14 restaurants in Scotland and the North of England. Birmingham follows hot-on-the-heels of hugely successful openings for Gusto in Leamington Spa and Lytham. The opening is part of an ambitious expansion that will see Gusto grow to a target portfolio of 26 restaurants within the next 4-5 years. Further Midland’s sites are currently being sought.
Since the completion of a £10 million management buy out by Palatine Private Equity in 2014, Gusto has continued to go from strength to strength. The company has grown its portfolio of outstanding restaurants moving into new and exciting cities across the country. The company now has a turnover of £28million and employs 600 staff across the UK.
Sue Crimes added; “Gusto is an exceptional brand synonymous with premium dining and high-quality service set in stylish locations. This is an exciting time for the company and together with Palatine and Living Ventures we have substantial funding and capability to successfully expand and achieve our target portfolio of 26 restaurants in the next four to five years. Birmingham has been a key target in our development plans for some time and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to further expand into one of the fastest developing cities in the UK”
