ZaZa Bazaar to be the Gate’s next big star

The group, which launched two years ago in Bristol and is backed by Domino’s franchisee Surinder Kandola, has agreed a lease on a 17,000sq ft unit at the North East leisure scheme, with the opening of a c500-cover restaurant scheduled for November.

Nitin Bhatnagar co-founder told M&C Report: “Our first site is flourishing and although we have a steady rollout in mind we have a pipeline of sites we can tap into for next year in major cities and large towns.”

Bhatnagar said that the group was different from other “buffet” operators do its focus on food prepared in front of the consumer and also ruled out exploring a smaller, express format.

Sights set on more sites​

The group is looking at sites between 15,000sq ft to 40,000sq ft in university cities & towns, high footfall areas, town centres and leisure parks.

He said: “We are happy with our model and the size of site we need to make the concept a success.

“Our concept pushes the boundaries of dining, offering customers fantastic high quality food from around the world cooked right in front of them giving an unforgettable experience. We are excited to be coming to the Gate, especially given The Crown Estate’s plans to enhance the centre’s reputation as the North East’s top food and entertainment destination.”

The group had previously been linked to an opening at the Riverside scheme in Norwich.

The Crown Estate purchased the Gate for £60m in 2012. Since then it has been delivering on its strategy for the centre signing new occupiers like the award winning Handmade Burger Co, which opened this summer.

Davis Coffer Lyons acted on behalf of The Crown Estate.