By Angela Green, Content Executive, H&C News: Big Table Group acquire Banana Tree.
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The Big Table Group, the operator of Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Café Rouge, has announced the acquisition of the fast-casual Pan-Asian chain, Banana Tree, adding a new cuisine flavour to its family of restaurant brands.
Founded over 30 years ago by William Chow, Banana Tree is famous for its authentic, exotic and delicious street-food inspired dishes, with flavours from Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. The business started as a single site in Maida Vale, London and currently operates in nine high-footfall locations in the South East – across London as well as prime sites in Chelmsford, Milton Keynes and Oxford.
The Banana Tree’s Pan-Asian proposition adds a key culinary category to The Big Table Group’s existing portfolio of restaurant brands, and is a complimentary extension aligned with key consumer trends including flavourful, fresh and convenient food, at an affordable price point and with favourable sustainability credentials – with 40% of its menu being plant-based.
Anne Chow will continue to lead the brand as Managing Director, reporting to The Big Table Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Alan Morgan. William Chow, an architect by training, will return to his original passion and work on the design of new Banana Trees with The Big Table Group team.
Commenting on the acquisition, Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer, The Big Table Group, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the Banana Tree team to The Big Table Group. Creating, growing and acquiring high-quality, complimentary brands with widespread consumer appeal is a key part of our growth strategy and therefore Banana Tree is an excellent addition to the business.
“Anne and William have built a brand with an extremely loyal following, superb food and guest scores, plus excellent financial metrics, and we see great opportunities to grow the business, taking it into new towns and cities around the UK.”
Anne Chow, newly appointed Managing Director, Banana Tree, said: “We are very excited about this new chapter with The Big Table Group, and look forward to working with our new colleagues and bring our beloved brand to new customers across the UK. We also would like to thank Will Baxter and Payam Keyghobadi of DSW Corporate Finance who have gone above and beyond in their advisory role on this transaction.”
Restaurant News is Sponsored by Santa Maria Foodservice UK
