Jimmy’s Restaurants, the operator of the Jimmy’s World Kitchen and Jimmy’s World Grill, has launched a franchise agreement as it looks to further expand the two brands both in the UK and overseas, M&C Report understands.
The group, which will open its 11th site later this month in Brighton Marina, is looking for established restaurant operators with experience of multi-unit management to take up the franchise agreement.
Earlier this year, Parminder Uppal stepped down as chief executive of the group after the decision by the family behind the business not to follow its current expansion plans, which would have seen it double its estate to 18 restaurants within the next three years. This would have included the launch of an express format aimed at transport hubs this year.
He was leading the group’s expansion, search for new funding and strengthening of its board.
The family’s u-turn on its strategy led to a number of leading industry figures deciding not to take up key positions on the company’s board.
Ed’s Easy Diner chief executive Andrew Guy, who was set to become chairman, and Colin Mayes, who would have been a non-executive, both decided not to join the company.
Last year, it agreed a new £3.2m debt facility with Natwest for its next three openings and was set to speak to advisers regarding its options after receiving private equity approaches.
It did have further openings lined up in Stevenage and Newcastle.
