Well-positioned casual dining brands not holding back
![](https://cdn.asp.events/CLIENT_CGA_Peac_CD2A32EF_0F69_1CFF_340437B774EC2FAA/sites/peach2020-2023/media/libraries/news-insights-library/CEDA-robin.png/fit-in/1440x9999/filters:no_upscale())
First quarter figures from CGA showed that despite pub numbers continuing to decline, casual dining sites saw an uptick in numbers, with a net increase of 34 locations. It‘s modest but it shows investment and roll-outs are firmly on board agendas.
That optimism was reflected when Peach co-founder Peter Martin interviewed Robin Rowland on stage at the CEDA conference. The former YO! Sushi boss, who is now a partner at the TriSpan investment house, confirmed that the four UK restaurant brands he chairs - Mowgli, Rosa‘s Thai, Pho and Thunderbird - would between them see 20 new locations open this year.
He said there were four main business growth pillars he looked for to justify investment:
- Inflation
- Interest rates
- A stable engaged workforce
- Consumer confidence
He said with the first two under control and the third in place: “We just need consumer confidence to sustainably grow, but we‘ll invest in the belief that it will.”
Rowland said TriSpan was attracted to companies with a scalable niche and a differentiated offer. Businesses needed to be past early-stage growth, around five to 15 sites, a £20-30 a head price point, with a strong management team - and with the potential for expansion.