The pair have secured the lease on assignment of the current Fat Delicatessen opposite Balham tube station for a premium of £60k.
Rotisseries
Of the new concept, Novak said: “We’re big fans of steak and ribs, and Cattle Grid proves that’s a popular option, but increasingly we’ve seen a gap in the market for really good, barn-reared chicken, served in the traditional rotisseries style that has proved so popular in France forever.
“We want to create a family-friendly environment, serving the best chickens we can source, and delivering them freshly roasted to the plate. This is a restaurant that will serve a family of four a whole chicken and sides for a really great price."
New Clapham
Cattle Grid currently operates five sites, four in London and one in Leeds. It has secured a further site in Wandsworth and is thought to be targeting an opening in Brighton later this year.
Steve Bagatti at property consultancy Selsian, who handled the deal, told M&C Report there was "some competition" for the site from chain operators and independents. He said Balham is going to become "the new Clapham" as a desirable location, with a number of operators looking at the area again after targeting other regions when the recession hit.
Poulet Rouge will become the latest chicken-led restaurant concept to hit the UK following in the footsteps of a glut of new brands to launch in London and beyond including Clockjack Oven, Chooks, Wishbone and The Flat Chicken.
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.