TLC Inns, the multi-site operator led by Steve Haslam and Jo Drain, has identified two more sites for the rollout of its American restaurant and bar concept Grand Central.
The first Grad Central opened last year in Yardley Business Park in Basildon, Essex, and Haslam said the unit “regularly” exceeds weekly takings of £30,000 - last week it took £32,000.
Haslam told M&C Report that the company is eyeing two more sites for Grand Central, both in undisclosed locations and both council-owned. One would be a freehold acquisition and the other leased.
Haslam said that being council-owned means the sites are “not the easiest” to negotiate over.
He said the outlets would be called Grand Central but have slightly different designs.
Grand Central is billed as an independent take on an American grill to compete against established chains such as TGI Friday’s. Classic dishes such as ribs, burgers and steaks are offered, along with some Italian dishes such as pastas.
The move marked a departure for TLC, which previously only operated pubs.
Haslam told M&C Report last year that he wouldn’t be surprised if Grand Central expanded to 13 or 14 sites.
