Graysons, the contract caterer and hospitality business backed by former Compass Group chairman Sir Francis Mackay, is believed to have taken a stake in the UK-based business of the US casual-dining brand Tony Roma’s, M&C has learnt.
The brand, which was launched in the UK in 2004 by entrepreneur Peter Sakal, currently operates one site in Braehead, Glasgow, but it is thought Graysons is looking at opportunities to relaunch and expands the brand.
Sakal remains a stakeholder in the UK business, which sold its other site in Kingston to Five Guys in 2013.
Graysons, which was launched in 2008, has set up a new company American Italian Restaurant Group Ltd to oversee its new investment.
The grill rib concept currently has over 200 restaurants in 33 countries and six continents.
It is aimed at leisure and mid-market consumers and competes with similar US-style brands such as Frankie & Benny’s and TGI Friday.
Led by managing director managing director Tim O’Neill, Graysons is based in Chelmsford and operates at over 30 sites across London and the South of England
It comprises separate Restaurant and Venues divisions.
