Giggling Squid, the growing family of Thai tapas restaurants with ambitions to become the first with a nationwide reach, has acquired a new site in Warwick. Formerly the High Pavement Bar, it will become the company’s most northerly site, so far, when it opens in December.
With around 100 covers in a prime location on the walkway down to Warwick Castle, the company will invest around £180,000 fitting out the new site, creating 20 new jobs.
Giggling Squid opened in Stratford-up-on-Avon, about 10 miles away, in November 2013, which was then its seventh site. Led by husband-and-wife team Andy and Pranee Laurillard, the company currently operates at 13 successful locations, mostly across southern England, with plans to expand to around 250 across the county.
The announcement followed the opening of new restaurants in Guildford and Billericay in August. It expects to open its Esher branch at the end of October. Building works will now begin on another recent acquisition in Berkhamsted, whilst the company has submitted a planning application for alterations to its listed premises in Bury St Edmunds.
Horsham HQ
The company, which has undergone its dramatic expansion with just a single office-based employee, is negotiating to let office accommodation in Horsham, which will become the group’s headquarters, with space for around 16 staff. The company which has achieved rapid growth through outsourcing most of its administrative functions; will recruit a financial director and finance team, another area manager, executive and development chefs plus posts in human resources, training and marketing, over the next 6 months.
Giggling Squid is in funding talks with potential investors, which will pave the way for the company’s next growth stage.
Giggling Squid, 3 High St, Warwick CV34 4AP
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