BigHospitality's sister site MCA reports that the brand, founded by New York restaurateur John Seymour, is poised to take over the Carluccio’s site in Market Place, subject to legal completion.
The concept, which has four sites in New York and one in LA, serves American comfort food such as biscuits and cornbread, as well as short rib, catfish, and braised octopus.
It is known for its hip-hop soundtrack and A-list rap clientele, as well as a strong emphasis on cocktails, with Seymour cutting his teeth as a barman in Manhattan.
New York hip-hop artist Nas came on board as a business partner and brand ambassador in 2015 when Sweet Chick had two sites, in Brooklyn and Manhattan, to help expand the group and grow its profile.
Sweet Chick follows another US celebrity-backed restaurant to land in London, Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg’s Wahlburgers in Covent Garden.
Carluccio’s is currently still trading at Market Place. Last year, following the approval of a CVA process, 35 Carluccio’s restaurants were listed which the company considered unviable in their current form, with discussions due to take place over their future – though these sites were not listed.
This article originally appeared on BigHospitality's sister site MCA. For more information or to subscribe to MCA click here.