Ed’s Easy Diner, the American-style casual dining chain, is to make its debut outside the UK in Cape Town, South Africa.
It is understood that the group, which is led by Andrew Guy and backed by Rankvale, has signed a franchise agreement to open its first site in the country near the end of this year at the Blue Route Shopping Mall.
It is thought that the group will look to eventually open a number of sites in South Africa, where director Aubrey Glaser has a number of years experience in the country’s commercial property market.
The group is believed to be have been in discussions with potential franchisees and overseas partners regarding opportunities for developing Ed’s internationally for some time.
Hong Kong, Germany and Australia have previously been mooted as other possible destinations for the chain.
The 10-strong Ed’s Easy Diner hopes to open at least a further six restaurants in the UK this year, with planned openings set to be announced for Cheshire Oaks Shopping Centre, Highcross in Leicester and Swindon.
It is also believed to be in talks on sites in Southampton, Trafford Centre - Manchester, and Wandsworth.
The company, which reported a 3.5% increase in like-for-like sales for the year to the end of September 2011, as turnover climbed 44% to £5.95m, opened its 10th site in April in Basingstoke’s Festival Place shopping centre.
