Ed’s Easy Diner chief executive Andrew Guy has been appointed non-executive chairman of coaching inns operator Bulldog Hotel Group.
The group, which is planning to spend £20m on a UK-wide expansion, said Guy’s more than 30 years of experience operating pub, food and restaurant chains across Europe and the US, made him an invaluable appointment.
Bulldog’s finance director, Edward Walsh said: “Food and beverage accounts for over 65% of our trade, so Andrew’s extensive experience with successful restaurant and pub-food groups in Europe and America, will add significant value to our board.
“We set out last year with a clear goal to be the best independent operator of coaching inns in the UK and Andrew’s appointment, alongside the investment from Business Growth Fund, now provides us the platform to achieve this.”
Guy said: “My career has been all about great restaurant brands and successful F&B operations, so I’m delighted to be joining a group which clearly recognises the vital importance of that offer, both for tourists and local and business trade. I hope to be able to offer industry insights and advice to support Bulldog as it expands its high quality coaching inns operation across England.”
Guy is currently chief executive of Ed’s Easy Diner Holdings and has held CEO and senior board roles with Autogrill, Gourmet Holdings, City Centre Restaurants, My Kinda Town and 1776 Revolutionary Restaurants. His career in the F&B sector began with Berni Inns Group where he was a graduate trainee and area manager.
Ed’s recently appointed head hunters to commence the search for a possible successor to Guy, who will step away as its chief executive should the company complete a transaction later this year.
The Kevin Charity-led Bulldog operates eight hotels in Yorkshire, Leicester, Lincolnshire, Northampton, Gloucestershire, County Durham and Wales.
