Managed pub operator Barracuda Group says it would have converted 154 of its 215 pubs to the upgraded version of Smith & Jones by the end of this month, as it announced plans for 40 more refurbishments over the next 12 months.
The company, which is led by Mark McQuater, has been redesigning its Smith & Jones pubs to give a more contemporary look and “enhanced operating format to widen customer appeal”.
“The results have been highly successful and bars from other brands in the group, ie. Barracuda Bar and Varsity, have been converted to the new Smith & Jones look and operating formula,” the company said. “The new Smith & Jones format has proved to be a runaway success for the group with strong customer interest and perfectly complements Barracuda’s strategy of operating a more rounded, seven-day trading business.”
Since the beginning of the year, 32 Smith & Jones pubs have opened from other Barracuda Group formats, or upgraded from the previous design, bringing the total number of this format to 142.
In addition, the 12-strong Juniper Inns will be joining the Smith & Jones operating format, the company said, bringing the chain to 154 units.
Meanwhile, the company has revealed that breakfast sales have more than doubled over the last 12 months, and like-for-like sales have subsequently increased 25% during the period from 9am to midday across the group as a whole.
A carvery offer has been introduced across part of the Smith & Jones portfolio and Sunday roasts have seen growth of 35% since last year.
In addition, the Costa coffee offer in 120 of its pubs has produced an incremental increase of 50% in coffee sales - a further 20 pubs will offer Costa coffee by the end of the summer, the company revealed.
Barracuda’s £16m capex spend over two years would have resulted in more than 90 refurbishments over the 20 month period to Easter 2011 and a further 40 are planned over the next 12 months.
McQuater said: “The Group’s pub portfolio continues to evolve with a core focus on the Smith & Jones concept which has achieved significant milestone in passing the 150th pub mark. This concept continues to impress with its diverse appeal and proven scalability. It is a contemporary classic for today’s pub customer with its emphasis on informal entertainment, premium beers and wines, delicious pub food and a growing private party business.
“It is encouraging that our ongoing investment in our quality pub portfolio is delivering demonstrable results as we focus our efforts and continue to invest in this successful formula.”
