KFC’s Paul Stokes joins Big Table Group

Big Table Group has appointed KFC’s Paul Stokes to the new role of head of acquisitions.

Stokes will oversee strategic acquisitions and expansion plans across the group’s portfolio of brands which includes Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Café Rouge.

He joins his role as head of franchise of development at KFC UKI, where he has been responsible for brand development, site acquisition and expansion for the past 13 years.

Prior to that Stokes was director – client retail strategy at real estate company CBRE.

Matt Ainger, property director, Big Table Group, said: “We’re pleased that Paul has decided to join us at Big Table Group. With his tremendous knowledge and understanding of the sector, Paul will be a fantastic addition to team as we look to grow our business.”

Added Stokes: “The Big Table Group is a fantastic business with big growth plans, and I look forward to taking on this new role and helping to develop its much-loved brands, particularly during this exciting time ahead as restrictions continue to ease.”

Big Table, owned by private equity firm Epiris, was formed in July 2020 to acquire the three aforementioned brands previously managed by Casual Dining Group, after it went into administration.

The group recently appointed Steve Worrall, previously MD of pubs, inns & hotels at St Austell Brewery, as brand director of Café Rouge & The Mulberry.