James Spragg has stepped down as chief executive of Yellowhammer Bars after three years, writes Paul Charity.
Spragg told M&C Report: “After three enjoyable years at Yellowhammer Bars, I have parted company with (parent company) Agilo and am now looking at other opportunities within the leisure sector.”
Previously, he worked at Novus Leisure for two years as commercial director. Other jobs have included marketing director for Brewers Fayre and TGI Fridays.
Spragg’s departure comes four months after the arrival of Derek Parfitt as chairman at Yellowhammer. Parfitt has previously held director positions with Morrells, Greene King and the Magic Pub Company.
Last month, M&C reported that 25-strong Yellowhammer Bars had opened its sixth site branded as Bliss Bar & Clubroom. The new opening was a former Sports Cafe venue already operated by Yellowhammer in Broad Street, Birmingham. The previous two Bliss openings have been in Taunton, Somerset, and Bournemouth, Dorset.
Spragg said at the time: “The Bliss brand is one of our new offers that we hope will transform the late-night experience for our customers, providing quality drinks and service in new and fresh environments. Our DJs make sure that our customers get a great late-night bar experience and a chance to dance to the best music.”
A seventh Bliss Bar & Club-room site is expected to open at the end of April.
In its most recent year to 28 February 2010, Yellowhammer lost £3m on turn-over of £28m — its operating loss was £1.1m and its interest bill was £1.9m.
Yellowhammer is owned by private-equity firm Agilo and includes four Sports Cafe venues acquired in 2008.
