Henry J Beans buy helps The Food and Drink Group to bumper first half

The Food and Drink Group has seen its turnover leap in the first six months of the year thanks to the purchase of the Henry J Beans restaurant chain last year.

Previously the Hartford Group, the company said its swoop last September for the bar and grill operator had been the main factor in a 45% hike in turnover to £10m in the 28 weeks ended 8 April (2005: £6.9m).

The group has also ramped up its franchising activity for Henry J Beans, with new operations launched in Mexico and Madrid, and a site agreement signed for a new restaurant in the Middle East’s Jordan.

Pre-tax profit was £295,000 (2005: £2,000), while underlying profitability - earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation – shot up 136% to £1.1m (2005: £500,000).

Stephen Thomas, chairman of the Food and Drink Group, said: “We are pleased with both the acquisition and integration of Henry J Bean’s, a strong brand with great potential.”

He added that the company was happy with current trading levels and expected a strong business performance during the summer.

Hartford to rename after rejuvenation >>

By Chris Druce

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