Minor Food Group has set out a three-pronged expansion plan for the UK, through its brands – Patara, Suda and the yet to be launched format Grab Thai, MCA has learnt.
Andy Holman, managing director of Minor Food Group, which entered into a joint venture with the Thai-based S&P Group last year to operate Patara, told MCA that the company was looking to open three to five sites a year across its brand in the UK.
Yesterday it confirmed that it would open its sixth Patara site in London next month on the former Aubaine unit on Hampstead High Street.
Holman said: “We will take it steady but with Patara, Suda and Grab Thai we can target opportunities right across the market, from fine dining to casual dining and grab and go. We would like to do five to 10 openings a year but you have to be realistic about expansion targets especially with the property market in London being extremely competitive at present. Therefore we would be happy to get a further three good sites secured before the year end.”
Holman said that at present the group was more interested in organic growth than entering the M&A market.
Patara opened its first site in London over 25 years ago with its most recent opening last December on Berners Street. It also operates in Soho, Oxford Circus, Knightsbridge and South Kensington.
Casual dining restaurant Suda opened in Covent Garden in 2012, whilst Minor also operates restaurants in Bangkok, Geneva, Vienna, Singapore & Beijing.
Open all day, with an average spend per head of £30, Patara Hampstead will be offering lunch including lighter options, Thai-style afternoon tea and dinner.
Holman said: “Patara has a strong brand identity symbolising authentic Thai tradition. We are very excited about expanding our restaurant portfolio across London and look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to our Patara restaurant in Hampstead.”
