The founder of all-day Israeli concept Bala Baya, Ottolenghi alumni Eran Tibi, is weighing up various leisure iterations under his brand, MCA has learnt.
Tibi, whose debut bakery, café and restaurant is in Old Union Arches, Southwark, said he wanted to create a “massive monster” with lots of different elements, such as a nightclub, bar, commercial bakery, deli and possible standalone pitta kiosks.
The next stage of development for the brand will be the deli, which will be for delivery, collection, catering, hampers, holiday packages, and which Tibi said will strengthen the brand and give commercial revenue.
After launching the deli in the summer, he hopes to be closer to securing a second site, with the exact format still under consideration.
He also wants to expand the capacity of the on-site bakery, to supply other business, and also to create a string of standalone pitta kiosks.
Tibi, who was part of the team that launched Bababoom, Made Bar at The Roundhouse and Zest, is backed by an eclectic team of investors, including Darren Clapich from Grindr, hospitality interior designer Afroditi Krassa, and Ben Hamburger of Boston Consulting Group.
He said: “When we set up Bala Baya we created this massive monster which has all these different aspects, so when it comes to roll out it, we can take different elements from it.
“So the next place can be a bar, a restaurant, a club, a pitta kiosk.
“We like to call ourselves a leisure group, its hedonism at its best. A focus on entertaining people and fun.
“The debate is where to take it next.
“My dream was to have all the day and night elements, the good side and the naughty side, the commercial side, and the essence and tradition.”
Bala Baya has a brunch and lunch all-day offer, with a more premium a la carte and sharing plates menu in the evening, complemented by a cocktail bar and electronic music.
An onsite bakery has capacity to produce 20,000 pitta breads a day, a number is it only producing a fraction of, with commercial opportunities with restaurant brands being explored.
Tibi has also launched Bala Baya Nights, monthly late-night parties at the Old Union Arches site.
The original plan for Tibi’s first project was to launch a collection of pitta kiosks, but with the help of financially savvy partners they were able to come up with a more shapeshifting concept which satisfied his creative urges while being financially viable.
