Brasserie Bar Co, the group behind the Raymond Blanc-inspired Brasserie Blanc and White Brasserie Company, has secured a new £6 million facility from Barclays to support its expansion and development plans.
This comes after Brasserie Bar Co’s recent acquisition of eight former Chez Gerard sites in London including the iconic Opera Terrace restaurant at Covent Garden. The first Brasserie Blanc opened in 2006 and the company currently operates 11 Brasserie Blanc sites across the country, with plans to expand to 19 restaurants by the end of the year and a total of 40 outlets by 2016.
The most recent additions to its portfolio are in Berkhamsted and at St Paul’s in the City of London, which opens in early April.. The company also operates the White Brasserie Company which brings Brasserie Blanc standard food to pub restaurants, and currently works with two pubs in the south of England.
Bob Silk, Relationship Director in the Hospitality & Leisure team at Barclays commented: “In the current environment where discretionary spend is under tight pressure, the management team spotted an opportunity to develop an offering that is going from strength to strength in a very competitive environment. It is testimony to the strength of the brand and skill-set of the management team that they have been able to do this.”
Mark Derry, CEO of Brasserie Bar Co, said: “We are delighted that Barclays is supporting us at this exciting time in the growth of the business. Raymond Blanc’s dream of bringing quality French food to the high street is being realised with the Brasserie Blanc brand becoming synonymous with classic French dishes and exceptional service. This new facility from Barclays will help us to transform our new sites into Brasserie Blancs and seek further locations for expansion of the business.”