Graham Turner, the chief executive of Café Rouge owner Tragus Holdings, has been appointed the new chairman of the British Hospitality Association’s (BHA) National Restaurants Group (NRG).

The NRG, a committee of branded restaurant operators representing more than 12,000 outlets employing 175,000 staff, was set up by the BHA in 2006 under the Restaurant Chains Group banner.

Members of the 18-strong group include Carluccio's, McDonald’s, Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), Paramount, The Restaurant Group, Pizza Express, Burger King, Starbucks, Tragus Holdings, SSP, Whitbread and Yo! Sushi.

Turner, who takes over as chairman from former M&B managing director Tony Hughes, said the new title of the group gave a clearer indication of the size and economic importance of the branded sector 

“Bringing the national groups together enables us to project the size and scope of the £8b restaurant industry,” he said.

“We also will be able to lead on particular issues affecting branded restaurants, with the strength to lobby strongly on their behalf.”

Tragus, which also owns Bella Italia and Strada, is today celebrating the 100th opening of Café Rouge.

Tragus boss confident consumers will still spend >> 

Tragus buys Strada restaurant chain for £140m >> 

Tragus to focus on Strada and Café Rouge >> 

By Daniel Thomas

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