Big Easy, the barbecue and lobster shack concept, has appointed Paul Reynolds, formerly of YO! Sushi and Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), as its new managing director, MCA understands.
Reynolds, who stepped down as YO! Sushi’s operations director earlier this year, joins former M&B and Rosinter Restaurants colleague and Big Easy chairman Kevin Todd at the three-strong group.
Jason Thomas left the Big Easy after a short period as its interim managing director earlier this year.
He had replaced Noel D’Arcy, who joined the Big Easy after more than 20 years at M&B, and has subsequently taken the role of managing director at TLC Inns.
Reynolds was described as former YO! chief executive Vanessa Hall’s first key appointment. He was formerly chief operating officer of Rosinter Restaurants and worked with Hall at M&B where he was retail director at All Bar One and Alex Café and Bars in Germany.
Whilst at Rosinter he oversaw the development of large-scale international brands including the Japanese inspired ‘Planeta Sushi’, with a managed and franchised estate of circa 115, and the Italian concept ‘Il Patio’, with 135 sites. He was also involved in large scale franchised brands including TGI Fridays, Costa and McDonalds.
The Big Easy opened its third site as part of the Crossrail redevelopment at Canary Wharf last year.
The group will make its regional debut at Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square development next year alongside Dishoom and Drake & Morgan.
It is thought to also be eyeing further regional openings in Bristol and Cardiff.
