New Café Rouge MD pressing ahead with refurbishment and expansion

Peter Blake, who previously worked as the chief operating officer of Whitbread’s restaurants division, was yesterday appointed to the new role with immediate effect, joining former Costa Coffee managing director and Tragus chief executive John Derkach at the company.

Earlier this year Derkach revealed details of the refurbishment of the ‘vast bulk’ of the 126-strong Café Rouge estate,​​which he hopes will make the French restaurant brand more contemporary. Blake will now be overseeing that project, and is happy with how things are progressing.

“So far 10 sites have been refurbished and the results are extremely encouraging,” he told BigHospitality. “We will continue to put a huge focus in this area to ensure we maximise the opportunity to its fullest potential.

“We will certainly be pushing ahead to complete the next phase of sites in the very near future. The overall aim of completing the majority of the Café Rouge businesses over the next three years remains a realistic target.”

Expansion plans​

Chief executive Derkach also recently said that he saw growth potential in Tragus’s five-strong Belgian concept, Belgo – something which is also front-of-mind for Blake.

“Belgo is a hugely exciting brand for me and I would certainly not rule out growth in the future,” he added. “It's my aim to oversee expansion in both brands with further Cafe Rouges openings in the pipeline to open in 2013/14.

“I want to ensure I and my management team get out and spend time listening and speaking to every general manager from each restaurant within the first three months. I’ll also set up focus groups for guests from both brands to help really understand the consumer within these businesses.”

Other brands within Tragus Group’s portfolio include Italian fast-casual chain Strada (72 sites), all-day Italian trattoria Bella Italia (89 sites), and the Huxleys, Amalfi, Potters and Ortega brasserie concepts.

Speaking of yesterday’s appointment, Derkach said: “I am delighted to welcome Peter to Tragus. He brings extensive operational and strategic experience, and will be a strong addition to our management team as we continue to build on our foundations with great people, well-loved brands and fantastic locations.”