Clapham House Group eyes up restaurant brand deal

Casual dining chain Clapham House Group (CHG) is on the look out for another restaurant brand acquisition, to help reach its target of a further 100 sites.

CHG chief executive, Paul Campbell told Caterer he would consider groups where there was a high property component and the possibility of conversions into the Gourmet Burger King (GBK) brand.

However, the group was mainly focussing on "bedding in" the Tootsie brand, which it acquired as part of Urban Dining in May this year and the possible conversion of up to 10 sites into GBKs after the first conversion, in Ealing, saw sales double in four weeks.

David Page, executive chairman, added: "The integration of the Tootsies business is proceeding well and on track achieving some very positive results both from our refurbishment programme and the introduction of new menus.

"We are seeing an excellent return from the first conversion of a Tootsies restaurant into a GBK and have a strong pipeline for further openings."

The Real Greek had a quieter year but its flagship site on London's Southbank had a good summer due to the hot weather and two new sites are planned for next year.

Bombay Bicycle Club saw its online ordering service take off and two new sites are planned in Twickenham and Dulwich by the end of the year.

Overall turnover for the group increased for the six months to 30 September to £20.6m from £8.6m in 2005 with profits before tax growing to £1.23m from £280,000 the previous year.

By Emily Manson

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