Giggling Squid, the fast-growing chain of Thai restaurants, has further strengthened its openings pipeline, by securing its first site in Hertfordshire.
The 11-strong group, which is currently assessing its funding options, is understood to have secured the Café Rouge site in Berkhamsted, with an opening expected in September/October after a £200k refit.
Berkhampsted will become the fourteenth Giggling Squid after planned openings in Guildford and Billericay, and is expected to open ahead of recently acquired sites in Bury St Edmunds, Esher and Bath.
The group, which appointed Grant Thornton to advise of its future funding options, recently announced the closure of its unit in Crawley.
“Berkhamsted is an historic market town with an affluent, discerning and well-travelled population,” said Giggling Squid co-owner Andrew Laurillard.“We’ve wanted to come here since opening in Henley in November 2012 and in Marlow in January 2014 – we’re delighted to have finally found the perfect spot.”
The company is on course to have a nationwide estate of 50-70 UK restaurants within five to seven years.
Richard Negus at AG&G acted on the Berkhampsted deal.
