Italian steak restaurant group Macellaio RC plans to open another one or two restaurants in London before venturing to other UK cities, founder Roberto Costa tells MCA.
The group operates six Macellaio restaurants across the capital, alongside another 12 in Italy.
“We will open one or two more in London, and are looking at Manchester for opportunities,” Costa says.
This summer, Macellaio’s South Kensington branch is trading 30% up on pre-pandemic levels, while office locations such as Fitzrovia are trading well but remain behind 2019, according to Costa.
The group is forecasting an £8.5m turnover this year, he says.
“Staffing was a big problem after Covid, but now we’re confident we can grow as before.”
Costa also discussed launching new concept Fish Game, which opened in Canary Wharf last month and showcases a menu of sustainable, ultra-seasonal game and fish sourced from across the UK, cooked over ash or charcoal.
“The difference between the two is that Macellaio can be in other big cities, while Fish Game can be a countryside or small town concept,” Costa adds. “The offer is more dynamic…it’s adding an Italian touch to English biodiversity, and at a good price point.
“We’d like to have one or two in London, then go outside the capital. We’re forecasting £1.8m for the year.”
