Positive stories and expansion plans from two popular Scottish restaurant groups |
Two major Scottish restaurant operators have positive stories to tell, in spite of the undoubted pressures on the hospitality sector, writes Ian McConnell.
And both are targeting expansion.
Two major Scottish restaurant operators have been in the spotlight in the last week or so.
And both, while highlighting the undoubted cost pressures on the hospitality sector, have had upbeat stories to tell.
This is great to see, especially given the pressures.
Interestingly, both The DRG, which describes itself as Scotland’s largest independent restaurant group and includes Di Maggio’s and Café Andaluz and now also Paesano and Sugo, and Kenny Blair’s Buzzworks Holdings have diversified with multiple brands and expanded geographically as they have grown.
The restaurant business is one in which many operators come and go, and the endurance and success of The DRG and Buzzworks shows how adept those behind these businesses have been at ensuring they cater for what often fickle diners want.
Starting with the observations on the difficult backdrop, The DRG co-owner Mario Gizzi flagged the employers’ national insurance contributions hike implemented by the UK Government from last April and other cost increases including wage inflation.
He observed: “Our wages-to-turnover ratio is higher than it’s ever been. We’re a very well-run, successful business but I know from speaking with colleagues across the industry that it’s becoming harder and harder for many of them to continue to........