Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK), the premium burger chain, led by Alasdair Murdoch, has secured the ex-Animals Inns site in the Chapelfield Shopping Centre, Norwich.
The 54-strong group, which returned to the acquisition last year, will re-open the former Mackintosh’s Canteen site that Animal closed at the start of this year.
Ex-Regent Inns executive and Momo Leisure co-owner Jeremy “Jez” King teamed up with entrepreneur David Cappendell to acquire the Norfolk-based Animal Inns business from owner Henry Watt for an undisclosed sum last April. It operates a further three sites in the region.
Sheridan Smith, marketing manager of Chapelfield Shopping Centre, explained: “Obviously we are always sorry when a tenant chooses to leave Chapelfield; it is particularly sad to see Mackintosh’s go because the name is so synonymous with the history of Chapelfield.
“However, changes to the mix of shops, cafes and restaurants within the shopping centre are key to Chapelfield’s success.
“Ensuring that this mix appeals to customers is very important and we are constantly in discussion with retailers and restaurant groups that are interested in coming to Chapelfield.
“Gourmet Burger Kitchen, which is taking over the unit vacated by Mackintosh’s Canteen, will bring a new dynamic to Chapelfield Plain and offer our shoppers something fresh and exciting.”
CWM acted for GBK.
