Floridita owner Havana Holdings has promoted general manager Brian Bendix to chief operating officer.

Bendix joined London’s Floridita restaurant in 2004 at the launch of the joint-venture between Conran Restaurants and Havanna Holdings.

As well as general manager, Bendix also fulfilled the role of project director of overseas operations.

In his new role Bendix will oversee the group’s international activities, which also include Floridita restaurants in Madrid and Dublin.

David Best, operations director at Bank Restaurant Group, succeeds Bendix as general manager.

Havana Holdings is backed by the Cuban government, and partners include bar operator Boisdale, Cuban hotel group Gran Caribe and cigar producer Habanos.

Havana Holdings has already signed joint venture partnerships and licence agreements in Moscow, Berlin and Nicosia in Cyprus to develop the brand.

Strong Christmas trading boosts Conran Restaurant sales >>

Management buyout deal at Conran completed >>

London's rum affair rekindled >>

Conran goes Cuban with launch of Floridita >>

Just opened – Floridita >>

Floridita website >>

By Chris Druce

E-mail your comments to Chris Druce here.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.