Benito's Hat launches evening table service
Diners have ordered customisable burritos, tacos and salads from a counter since Benito’s first opened in London in 2008.
But founder Ben Fordham told BigHospitality the group wanted to expand its evening menu and switch to a more traditional restaurant style.
“Basically, after eight years we decided that it was time for us to grow up a bit whilst not losing any of the parts that have been so successful for us so far,” he said.
“The evenings have always been a really big part of Benito’s. We have been keen to expand our Fiesta evening menu for some time – to show off the talent we have in the kitchen and the amazing flavours of Mexico.”
Fordham, a former City lawyer turned restaurateur, added that the new system had been implemented at the end of October following months of trials at the group's Farringdon store.
While the core menu remains the same, new evening items include a Pulled Pork Mexican Sandwich; an ‘enormous’ El Presidente Burrito; and Churros con Chocolate.
Diners can still customise dishes if they prefer using a tick sheet.
Looking ahead
Fordham explained that the changes came ahead of plans to open further Benito’s restaurants next year.
He said: “We have had a quiet 12 months, focusing on our core businesses and making sure that we really differentiated the food we serve as well as perfecting what sets us apart in the evenings. [But] we are now looking at 2017 as an exciting year to grow again, both inside London and out.”
Benito’s Hat opened its first site in Goodge Street and now operates four central London restaurants and one in Bromley.
