This week’s Diary discusses…. well… the same stuff as last week really as we bring you the grapevine’s latest on the senior team at Gordon Ramsay Group. We also discuss rumblings around Boparan and the latest US chain thought to be eyeing a UK launch.
You say it best when you say nothing at all
You wait all week for an expected announcement at the top of Gordon Ramsay Holdings and then nothing, silence. Diary understands that might be the case for a while, as it is thought that no official statement is now going to be sent out from the company, on the departure of chief executive Stuart Gillies or the promotion of managing director Andy Wenlock into the vacant role. This despite the change fast turning into the worst kept secret in the restaurant sector. So a case of move along, nothing to see here then!
Will the Giraffe cross the road?
Earlier this week Ranjit Singh Boparan, the founder of the embattled 2 Sisters Food Group, stepped down as chief executive of the firm, one of the UK’s largest chicken suppliers, after 25 years. The move came after a challenging year for the company, which included the company suspending production at its West Bromwich plant for five weeks following a Guardian and ITV undercover investigation that raised questions over the firm’s food standards. The company said that Boparan would become president of 2 Sisters’ holding company, Boparan Holdings, which also oversees the group’s restaurant business, comprising brands such as Ed’s Diner, Giraffe, Harry Ramsden’s and Fishworks. At the start of the year, Boparan sold pizza brands Goodfella’s and San Marco to the owner of Birds Eye for £200m. The tycoon is also reportedly exploring the potential £50m sale of Irish fish supplier Donegal Catch. All of the above, has led to some speculating that he might start reviewing options for his restaurant business, especially as the eating-out market comes under further pressure. One to keep an eye on.
Wahlburgers gears up to make its mark
As far back as 2012, there was speculation that Wahlburgers, the US brand owned by chef Paul Wahlberg in partnership with two of his brothers, actors Donnie and Mark, was looking to launch in London. Originally launched in the US, in Hingham, a town just outside the Boston area, the business last year signed agreements to open over 100 sites over the next five to seven years in the States, where it currently has c10 sites. It is thought a launch here remains on its radar and speculation has recently increased it may have found a location in Covent Garden. Speaking about a possible move for the brand into the UK, Mark Wahlberg said the company hoped to open its first London site this spring and had been looking at “A-plus, flagship locations” in the capital.
