James Caan, the entrepreneur and star of Dragons’ Den, is the latest name to be linked with a possible acquisition of troubled roadside restaurant chain Little Chef.
The Telegraph quotes sources close to Caan saying that he was interested in saving the brand and expanding it in the UK, possibly retaining many of Little Chef’s 1,100 jobs, through a combination of mobile sites on A roads as well as fixed restaurants.
Taking the business into the Middle East is reportedly another option being considered by Caan, who would bid through his private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw.
KFC, McDonald’s and Costa Coffee have also been linked to the bidding process for the 83-strong chain for conversion to their own brands, which could see the concept disappear from the roadside.
A sum of £10m to £15m has been mooted as starting points for bids. The process is being handled by KPMG.
