Dutch-based ‘haute fast food' brand targets 20 UK restaurants

A Dutch-based "haute fast food" brand aims to open 20 restaurants across the UK over the next five years, after launching a new global franchise model.

The Butcher, which is part of the Entourage Group, currently has four company-owned sites in Amsterdam, one in Berlin and one in Ibiza.

Two more sites are in the pipeline, in Dubai (due to open in 2018) and in Milan (2020).

The brand claims to have generated sales of €12m (£10.5m) in 2017, serving burgers made from Aberdeen Angus beef in semi-brioche buns at "metropolitan, stylish locations".

Through its franchise scheme it hopes to double that figure to €25m (£22m) by 2020. Within five years, it is targeting 80 new sites around the world and turnover of €100m (£88m).

The Butcher, which was founded by entrepreneur Yossi Eliyahoo, launched in Amsterdam in 2012 and its 150 staff are led by former waitress and now chief executive of the Entourage Group, UK-born Stephanie Juliet Pearson.

Pearson said: "As a group running different restaurant concepts, we have to stay focused. We don't want to grow too fast as this could lead to a loss of attention and focus. That is why we decided to create a global franchise system for the Butcher that brings this unique burger bar to vibrant cities all over the world."

There is no word yet on when the first UK restaurant will open.

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