Bodean’s, the London-based barbecue smokehouse concept, is a year away from returning to the expansion trail after deciding not to take up the option of new investment from several interested parties.
The four-strong group’s founder Andre Blais is currently concentrating on developing a new chophouse-inspired concept with a “well-known chef”, but told M&C Report that the interest generated in Bodean’s had put expansion for the brand back on the agenda.
He said: “We are in no rush, but I can envisage us looking to open more next year and again seeing what interest there is in terms of new funding. Like-for-likes across the group are up 20% year on year and we have had a sterling 12 months.
“I am currently developing a chophouse concept that is along the lines of Grand Central Oyster Bar in New York with a well-known chef and looking for sites in London.”
Blais also hinted that the group may look at the franchise model as another means of expansion now that its central kitchen facilities was working so well.
