Azzurri to open more restaurants despite rising costs hitting hospitality sector
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The company behind Italian favourites Zizzi and Ask has announced its intention to continue expanding its restaurant portfolio despite the additional costs looming over the sector next year. The boss of Azzurri Group, which also operates Coco Di Mama, is "cautiously optimistic" about the bounce-back of UK hospitality in the coming year, even as industry leaders have voiced concerns. Last month, top figures from Greene King and Whitbread warned government officials that hikes in National Insurance could spell closures and job cuts within a year. Yet, Azzurri is looking to capitalise on higher wages and lower borrowing costs.
"While UK consumer confidence continues to be impacted by global macroeconomic conditions, falling inflation, interest rate cuts, and rises in wages, means we are cautiously optimistic the global hospitality industry will see further transformation and recovery in the coming year," the firm expressed.
With approximately 230 current locations, Azzurri aims to launch "new sites across all the businesses" over the next year and is eyeing the expansion of the recently acquired Ireland-based Boojum brand in the UK and its home market. Earlier this month, Azzurri also debuted the first UK outlet of Dave’s Hot Chicken through a franchise agreement with the US chain, endorsed by stars like Drake and Samuel L Jackson.
