Grab Restaurants, the restaurant operator and consultancy group, has acquired Banger Bros, the London-based specialist sausage chain operator, and now plans to roll out the concept across a number of formats both nationally and internationally.
The group, which was co-founded by Julian Dyer, Marc Phelps and former Punch Taverns director and co-owner of the Intrepid pub company Duncan Ward, acquired the business from Hiro Harjani, founder of international fashion brand Aftershock, for an undisclosed sum.
Since the acquisition Grab has opened a trial c.55-cover restaurant site in Crouch End, launched a newly designed format at Westfield Stratford and closed its kiosk site in Victoria Station. Banger Bros, which was founded by chef Dyer, also operates sites in Euston, London Bridge and Portobello Road.
Phelps, who worked on brand development with companies such as Diageo, SSP, Punch and Whitbread, told M&C Report that the company had to consolidate before it could go forward, but was now looking to grow its estate. Three more openings are mooted for this year, with high footfall areas in transport hubs being of particular interest.
International expansion is also being considered and the group is looking at joint venture opportunities in the Far East.
Phelps, who helped to develop the Panopolis brand with SSP, said: “We want Banger Bros to be known for being about ‘food fast’ not fast food, a product that is based on real provenance and quality. We believe there was a great opportunity missed with the brand, but we now have a revitalised brand and menu to go forward with. The concept is also flexible, whether it’s a kiosk site or restaurant unit, we are confident in can work in a number of high-yield locations.”
Grab also owns Nolita, a New York-style dining concept, which is hoping to launch in the near future.
Phelps said that the group was keeping its “powder dry” with the new modern deli-style format.
He said: “It is a fully-formed brand but we are waiting for the right opportunity in the right location before we launch it.”
