Pub operator Spirit Group to look for 20 new managed sites
The company has tasked two property agents, Jenics and PH Land and Developments, to look for suitable locations. It currently operates nearly 1,300 managed and leased pubs, and is on target to open 15 new branded operations this year.
Jenics director Neil Bowler said he was looking for sites with internal areas of up to 6,000 sq ft with ideally 30 car parking spaces for the Flaming Grill sites, whereas Fayre and Square outlets are more suited to prominent roadside locations close to other retail, leisure and business offers.
The Taylor Walker requirement, meanwhile, is for traditional city-centre pubs aimed at office and shopping lunchtime trading.
Bowler said: “These brands all have a strong presence in the market and offer great value for money.
He added: “Spirit announced pre-tax profits of 6 per cent last week, in a year of tough trading conditions, and these expansion plans are reflective of the strength of the mainstream pub food sector, where there is a market for the right product.”
Food offer
In a separate development, a number of leased Spirit pubs are trialling a food offer that includes items and best practice from the company’s managed estate.
Spirit Leased managing director Chris Whelman told www.morningadvertiser.co.uk that under the scheme, items from managed brands such as John Barras and Chef & Brewer can be added to the menus of its leased pubs.
To date, 48 leased Spirit pubs have adopted the offer.
Spirit Pub Company is currently advertising a variety of jobs across a number of its brands with BigHospitality Jobs. Find out more and apply here.
