London Small Chain Success Story Defies Turbulent Restaurant Market

Thai restaurant chain plots expansion following acquisition

Rosa’s Thai, one of the city’s most successful and resilient small restaurant chains, intends to accelerate expansion plans outside of London. Founded by Saiphin and Alex Moore in 2008, the group sold a majority stake to American private equity company TriSpan in June 2018, and joins the slingers of London’s finest reuben sandwich, Monty’s Deli, in plotting considered expansion through challenging market conditions. [The Caterer]

Sushi City slickers head for Selfridges Food Hall with CBD hand rolls

Inigo will pop up in luxury department store Selfridges, serving its elongated sushi hand rolls — sometimes referred to as sushi burritos. Salmon-avocado and tuna-ponzu combinations will be present and correct, but Selfridges exclusives feature miso-cured salmon and avocado roll with CBD-spiked rosemary mayonnaise, and a tarragon vegan roll with more CBD, this time in an aquafaba mayonnaise. [Hot Dinners]

Restaurant group follows tapas bar acquisitions with new City restaurant

Juno Rooms will open on Watling Street, behind Mansion House station. A two-floor restaurant and bar, it’s the latest from Urban Pubs & Bars, who recently acquired the popular, longstanding, Iberian-inspired restaurant group Salt Yard. Expect trendy non-standard pasta in the shape of strozzapreti, not-trendy standard pasta in the shape of crab linguine, and a chicken ramen burger. [Hot Dinners]

Successful Peterborough restaurateur has another crack at London

Chef-restaurateur Damian Wawrzyniak will oversee a new menu at Twickenham restaurant Salt Flakes. Wawrzyniak closed his anticipated Clapham restaurant, Jan after just a month in July following a rent hike, but has returned to the capital in this consulting role. [Big Hospitality]