Thali Café gears up for expansion

The five-strong group, which is led by Jim Pizer and counts Pieminister owner Tristan Hogg as a non-executive director, is looking to secure sites in Birmingham, Cardiff and Reading over the next two years.

Las Iguanas co-founder Ajith Jayawickrema is also in talks with the group regarding taking a non-executive role.

The group’s latest site opened in April in the Southvile area of Bristol and Pizer told our sister title M&C Report​​that the restaurant would be a template for forthcoming openings.

The 3,000 sq.ft site features 120 covers for dining and a 40-cover bar area.

Pizer said: “Although the business was founded in 2001, it is not until the last two years that we have put our full focus on it. We are now ready to push the business forward and are in talks with a number of people, including Ajith regarding our next moves.

“The Southville site was an important step in the evolution of the business and its success means we will now be focused on securing further c3,000sq ft units in secondary high street locations”

Average spend per head at the group is between £17-£20 including drinks.