Gary Usher sells another restaurant

Gary Usher's Elite Bistros has sold another one of its restaurants to Open Restaurant Group, the second deal between the two businesses in as many months. 

Open Restaurant Group has acquired Liverpool site Wreck Bistro from Usher, with the restaurant set for its final service on Sunday 4 October.

The deal for Sam Morgan and Andrew Sheridan's Open Restaurant Group comes off the back of the acquisition of Hispi in August, previously another of Usher's long-standing restaurants in Didsbury, Greater Manchester.

As part of the takeover of Wreck Bistro, Open Restaurant Group will retain the entire existing team. The group will be introducing a new offer for the Liverpool market when the restaurant reopens.

“Wreck has been such an important part of our journey over the years, so choosing the right people to take it forward was really important to us," says Usher. "Following the success of the Hispi acquisition, we know Andy and the Open Restaurant Group team will give Wreck the same care and attention, and importantly, they’ve shown that they understand how important the people behind a restaurant are by retaining the existing team. I’m really excited to see what they do with the site and know it’s going to be in good hands.” 

Liverpool roots

Open Restaurant Group already has a strong legacy in Liverpool, the home city of chef and co-founder Sheridan. The group has an established presence across the region, with Sheridan’s flagship restaurant 8 located in the city, holding three AA Rosettes and listed in the Michelin Guide, alongside Daise in Oxton.

“We’d like to pay tribute to Gary and his team for everything they’ve created with Wreck," adds Morgan. "It’s become a much-loved part of Liverpool’s independent restaurant scene and we’re very conscious of the responsibility that comes with taking on a restaurant with that history. This is another really exciting step for Open Restaurant Group. Liverpool is an important part of our story and we’re looking forward to bringing a new chapter to this brilliant site.”

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