Zdesar and managing director Paul Sarlas have secured a ‘prime location’ in the Saudi capital Riyadh for their group’s flagship restaurant concept and expect to reveal their business partner and the opening date later this year.
Meaning ‘wait a minute’ in Japanese, Chotto Matte was launched in Soho in 2013 and serves ‘fresh and high quality Japanese inspired Nikkei cuisine’ alongside a large selection of Japanese drinks in loud, hip surrounds.
Following the success of the Soho site NZR Group has opened company-owned Chotto Mattes in Miami and Toronto alongside an Italian-inspired restaurant in Marylebone called Fucina. A smaller version of Chotto Matte opened at Arcade Food Theatre late last year.
The group says it’s gearing up for significant growth following a strong festive performance at its London Chotto Matte and the expansion of its head office team.
Earlier this year, John Darling joined as group head of operations, Peter Boswell joined as group learning and development manager, Grace Ryan joined as events sales manager and Siim Kutser joined as guest experience manager.
Originally from Australia, Zdesar helped launch Nobu in London as head of Nobu Europe, before going on to establish dim sum chain Ping Pong. He is also a backer of Chinatown Japan-inspired burger restaurant Ichibuns.