The fast growing Giggling Squid family of Thai restaurants has hired Peter Morrison as its Operations Director, as it continues on its journey to establish the country’s first national Thai group.
Morrison previously held a similar role at the Chimichanga Tex-Mex chain, where he was responsible for taking them from 17 to 38 sites in two years. Prior to that he held operations positions working within the same group for Prezzo. He will focus on building resources at a controllable rate through organic growth and developing existing personnel where possible.
Morrison began his own catering career 25 years ago, aged 15, working as a restaurant ‘bustler’ and is keen to “polish rough diamonds” to enable them to progress through the ranks as the company grows.
Offering an explanation as to why Giggling Squid has been able to establish extremely successful businesses on sites vacated by other restaurant groups, Morrison said, “The food – authentic Thai dishes prepared from fresh, on site, by master Thai chefs.
“Most customers are under the impression that they’re eating in a one off independent. They’re genuinely surprised when they discover there’s more than one Giggling Squid. I want keep hold of that same feel, whilst building a national brand,” he added.
Securing outside investment for 50 to 70 UK restaurants
Having appointed Grant Thornton to help secure outside investment to fund further growth, a number of trade buyers and private equity players – including two in Thailand – have registered an interest in acquiring a stake in Giggling Squid. Grant Thornton will publish an information memorandum on the Giggling Squid business in June.
Having developed rapidly since introducing the “Thai tapas” dining concept to the UK in 2009, Giggling Squid is on course to having a nationwide string of 50 to 70 UK restaurants within five to seven years.
The company currently 12 operates venues in Brighton, Hove, Crawley, Tunbridge Wells, Henley-on-Thames, Reigate, Stratford-upon-Avon, Marlow, Horsham, Sevenoaks, Salisbury and Bristol. It has recently acquired sites in Guildford, Bury St Edmunds, Billericay and Bath, which will roll out in the coming months. It is also in advanced legal negotiations to acquire a further six sites in the Home Counties and Midlands.
Co owned by husband and wife team Andrew and Pranee Laurillard, Giggling Squid’s formula of serving “rustic” Thai cuisine, with the emphasis on seafood is a winning one. The pair deliberately set out to look and cook different – in a modern, chic environment.