Grazing sold to Restaurant Associates

Restaurant Associates, which is part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has acquired workplace and venue caterer Grazing for an undisclosed sum.

 

The London-based business was founded in 2007 by chief executive Sam Hurst, who has since grown Grazing from one café into a corporate catering company.

 

Over the past year, the company’s delivered-in model, which sees dishes being prepared in its Bermondsey kitchen hub before being sent out on zero-emission cargo bikes, reported a 30% boost in business.

 

It also invested in expanding its central kitchen operations, which raised its capacity by over 50%.

 

Under the takeover, the Grazing team will continue to be led by Hurst, chef director Sebastian Price, and the existing management team.

 

It will also enable the business to scale its operations and enter new markets through Restaurant Associates’ extensive network.

 

Hurst said: “As a progressive business, we have always looked at how we can continue to grow and enhance our services. 

 

“When we were approached by Restaurant Associates, we saw some immediate synergies: their relentless pursuit for quality, alongside their firm belief in developing strong teams through investment in people and the environmental commitments – made them the perfect partner to help us take our business to the next level.”

 

Matt Thomas, chief executive of Restaurant Associates, added: “Grazing’s innovative approach to delivered-in catering, coupled with their commitment to sustainability, aligns perfectly with our vision.

 

“This partnership will allow us to enhance our service offerings, leveraging Grazing’s unique model and expertise to provide exceptional culinary experiences to our clients.”