Chaker Hanna reappointed as Comptoir Group CEO

Comptoir Group, the owner of the Comptoir Libanais and Shawa restaurants, has reappointed Chaker Hanna as chief executive.

He takes the reins from Nick Ayerst, who had been due to step down at the end of this month to “pursue an exciting career opportunity”, but will now leave the board and role immediately.

Hanna, who was previously in the role for 12 years between 2010 to 2022, was chosen by founder and creative director of the group Tony Kitous.

He had earlier been part of the team who launched the first Bella Italia and has also worked with brands such as Chili’s, Pizza Hut, Maggiano’s and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

The Comptoir Group has also confirmed that non-executive director Ali Aneizi will also be stepping down from his position with immediate effect.

Group revenue at Comptoir Group for the year ending 29 December 2024 increased 9.5% to £34.5m, while full-year adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation is expected to be in excess of £500,000, rising from a loss of £600,000 for the half year.

Christmas 2024 was the group’s “most successful Christmas trading period to date”, with total sales for the six-week period ending 5 January 2025 hitting £4.6m, up 19% compared to last year.

Ayerst said: "2024 has not been without its challenges as the general economic climate and sector-specific cost pressures continue to bear down on the group. Despite this backdrop, the senior management team has delivered a year of both sales and profit growth."

Ayerst said increases in National Minimum Wage and the changes to Employers National Insurance Contributions in April were expected to increase labour costs by around 10%, from £800,000 to £1.1m on an annualised basis.

He added: “Given the general economic background of continuing high interest rates and other ongoing cost pressures this increase in labour cost puts pressure on all businesses in the sector to further increase pricing.

“We believe that we can achieve some labour cost savings through our excellent skilled teams and maintaining our high team retention rates together with the tactical use of technology. This, alongside modest price increases and a rigorous focus on costs, means we are confident that the group will continue to deliver in 2025 despite these additional headwinds.”

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