Gordon Ramsay Asks for Millions of Pounds to Cover the U.K. in Burger Restaurants

Give me your money and I will give you burgers, Says Gordon Ramsay

The loudest chef in the world wants to give the U.K. a gift following the novel coronavirus pandemic: burger restaurants. Gordon Ramsay says that COVID-19, which has exacerbated the decline of many over-expanded chains, including burger chains, that trade on brand names, has not stopped his ambition to open 50 restaurants across the country that will trade on a brand name: his own. He calls it, and his global restaurant interests, a “billion dollar dining proposition,” which, in the U.K., will involve opening Street Burger restaurants, mostly outside London, according to Propel. The chef says that name — and, presumably, model — is based on his all-you-can-eat Street Pizza restaurants.

Ramsay showed off his burger prowess in a deeply awkward YouTube subscriber video last year, grilling the beef with the frozen butter to form “a nice thin patty,” pronounced, pâté, with a “wide girth.” But first, he needs the millions to make it happen.

Ramsay’s burger ambitions for the U.S. date back to 2018, when a massive private equity injection from Lion Capital saw him plan to open 100 restaurants across the Atlantic. Now, he’s seeking further private equity investment to realise a similar vision in the U.K.: burgers across the nation, Gordon’s grin seared into every one. Well, not really, but would you put it past him? [Propel]

And in other news...

• A running list of London restaurants that have closed during the coronavirus crisis.
• The Eat Out to Help Out scheme continues this week — here’s where to catch a discount and enjoy it outside.
• London’s essential coffee shops are where to go this week.
• Yo! Sushi is set to say goodbye! to 19 restaurants, as another casual dining chain sees its bubble burst by COVID-19. [Big Hospitality]
• Good tweet: