The four-strong chain has secured a financing agreement with Santander Corporate & Commercial, which willl aid its expansion across the UK, with a fifth site in Leicester’s Highcross shopping centre set to come on line this summer.
Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay opened its first restaurant in Milton Keynes in 2010 and has since opened sites in Bristol, Southampton and Nottingham.
“I’m delighted that we’ve secured this funding with Santander, which will enable us to open up to 10 new restaurants and create around 200 new jobs over the next couple of years," Jayawickrema said.
The Turtle Bay concept is focused on sharing nibbles and so-called cutters, Jerk Pit BBQ dishes, one pot meals and salads. The company also offers take-out services at its four sites.
"At Turtle Bay, we aim to capture the Caribbean island vibe by serving up exceptional, authentic dishes in an environment inspired by the love of laid-back living – it is a unique dining experience, so we hope our new locations will prove as popular as they have been in the four locations we already have."
Complete faith
Simon Whyatt, relationship director for Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: "I am delighted we have been able to support the growth plans of Turtle Bay. The casual Caribbean dining concept works really well and is something that hasn’t really been done before.
"Ajith’s vision has worked incredibly well in the past, with Las Iguana’s for example, so we have complete faith that he will make a real success of this, his next venture."
This story was first published by BigHospitality's sister publication M&C Report. To subscribe to M&C Report contact Emily Croft on 01293 846578 or email emily.croft@wrbm.com.