Leading operator CG Restaurants & Bars is on course for more investment and expansion after announcing record sales figures for the Christmas and New Year period.
The group, which runs London’s Dirty Martini bars as well as restaurants Tuttons and Fire & Stone, has reported a sales increase of 4.5% for the six weeks to January 4 compared to the same period the year before. It included the company’s highest-ever single week of sales since its inception.
Dirty Martini, which expanded to five bars at the end of last year with openings in the Monument and St Paul’s area of the City, saw like-for-like sales at older sites increase by 6.2%, with New Year’s Eve sales soaring by 14% year on year.
Chief executive Scott Matthews said: “These record results are huge credit to the entire team, who ensure that our unique style and quality is delivered at the highest standards day in day out.”
He confirmed that the company is planning more new bars in London in 2015 as well as a major refurbishment of its Dirty Martini in Hanover Square in late February. Its portfolio also includes cocktail bar Bitter Sweet in Soho.
Both new Dirty Martini sites experienced high demand for pre-bookings and reported sales 19% ahead of those budgeted. Across the five Dirty Martini bars, pre-bookings represented 57% of sales during the same period.
Scott added: “Such a positive Christmas trade has strengthened our footing further and, with the funding already in place for new sites in 2015, our focus is to secure the right locations.”
Picture: Michael Franke Photography
