Itsu to open first franchise restaurant in Reading

Itsu is to open its first franchise restaurant this month as the brand looks to expand across the UK.

The Asian-inspired chain, created by Pret A Manger co-founder Julian Metcalfe, is to launch at the Reading Gate Retail Park close to Madejski stadium, home of Reading FC, on 9 August.

The 160-cover restaurant will offer both takeaway and dine-in options, with customers ordering through screens and paying by card. It will be operated by Heart with Smart (HWS) which, according to Itsu has a “wealth of experience in franchising”.

Itsu’s move into franchising comes after London-based private equity firm Bridgepoint took a minority stake in the group earlier this year. It plans to grow the 70-site-strong brand, which was founded in 1997, by a further 100 sites over the next five years.

Itsu chief executive Ganan Kanagathurai said: “We are very excited to be expanding itsu’s presence in Reading and demonstrating to the local community what eating beautiful looks like.

“There is growing consumer demand for healthy food options that can be enjoyed either on the go or in restaurants.”

A second Itsu franchise site is due to open at Leicester’s Fosse Park leisure and retail park in September.

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