Cabana, the fast-growing, Jamie Barber-led Brazilian barbecue concept, has appointed Phil Blackband, formerly of Tragus, as its new operations and development director, M&C Report has learnt.
Blackband served as operations director at Tragus for over a decade, most recently leading their concessions division and previously running 160 restaurants for the group.
He will oversee Cabana’s growth as it targets 15 further stores over the next three years in addition to the seven sites it currently owns.
It recently raised £3m from shareholders including Saracens owner Nigel Wary, French Connection founder Stephen Marks and Zoopla and Lovefilm founder Alex Chesterman, to aid its expansion plans..
Barber said “Phil’s appointment is an important part of our jigsaw as Cabana matures into a national premium casual dining brand and we are delighted to welcome him into our family.”
The company has sites in Westfield London, Westfield Stratford, Islington, Wembley Stadium, St Giles, with O2 Arena and Leeds Trinity opening at the end of the Year.
The Cabana Cookbook is currently Waitrose’s Book of the Month.
This summer Cabana is building a 4,000sq ft beach and grill in Covent Garden Piazza called “The Grill from Ipanema”.
