Individual Restaurants reports another record year

Individual Restaurants has reported a record turnover for the second consecutive year, achieving a £76m turnover and 4% growth.

The group, which owns and operates a portfolio of 34 restaurants, credits its success to strategic investments in both new restaurant openings and its existing estate.

Trading throughout December was a contributing factor, with sales growth of 14% across its portfolio, which includes Piccolino, Riva Blu and Restaurant Bar & Grill, and like-for-like sales up 8%.

Brand development

Led by CEO Andrew Garton, the group’s commitment to “building a better and bigger business” has been marked by the evolution of flagship restaurant brands and the introduction of new concepts to market.

The business has grown its Piccolino footprint with three new openings in the last year, expanding into the home counties and the south of England, with launches in Marlow, Henley-on-Thames and Chichester. Meanwhile, its Riva Blu brand has grown to include two new restaurants in Leeds and Hul, and widescale refurbishments have taken place at Piccolino restaurants in Sheffield, Virginia Water, Ilkley, Manchester and Birmingham, along with the remodelling of Opera Grill in Chester.

Most recently, the group has brought a new Neapolitan pizza concept, Forbici, to the market. Launched in Manchester earlier this year, the operator now plans to roll out the brand elsewhere in the UK.

Garton, who joined the business in January 2023, says: “It has been a landmark trading year for Individual Restaurants for the second year running as we remain committed to our ambitious plans to build a better and bigger business and continue to invest in restaurants, both new and existing, alongside the ongoing evolution of our flagship brands.

“Despite challenging market conditions and consumer uncertainty, we have continued to outperform the market as a result of our commitment to unwavering food quality, unrivalled guest experience and investing in the evolution of our restaurant environment.

“It’s our ambition to further grow the business and invest for the future, through developing our portfolio, bringing new brand concepts to market and entering new markets, both in the UK and internationally."

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