Founder Paul Goodale received Private Equity investment to expand the brand from a single-site operation, into the multi-site business operating in city-centre and airport locations across the North of England.  Epicurean worked alongside interior designers Hudson Rock, subsequently growing the business to five locations by 2022.

Construction – Epicurean oversaw all matters of site activity, including tender process, contractor appointment and build-out.

Operations – Epicurean created and controlled every element of the operation, covering people, property, property, and profit.

Concept – Epicurean developed the unique store design to its brief, which was then developed in partnership with Hudson Rock.

PR & Marketing – Epicurean devised, executed and oversaw both the pre- and post-opening campaigns, bringing in digital partners to work alongside.

Financial – Epicurean appointed and managed management accountancy services, established management reporting package and devised both CAPEX and post-opening budget models, and managed all investor and Board matters.

Following the successful growth of the estate, PizzaLuxe was invited to open a pop-up store in London’s Covent Garden in Spring 2023.  The success of this seasonal Terrace led the Middle East based operating partner to seek to acquire the Company.  PizzaLuxe will expand internationally with this new investor.

“PizzaLuxe is a business that we are rightly proud of, and Paul Goodale is an extremely accomplished and professional Restaurateur.  We wish them both well in the next stage of their growth.”

Harry Heartfield, Senior Partner, Edition Capital

Re-engineer the food and beverage offering throughout the villages to deliver a hospitality experience which reflects the values of the luxury retail business.

Strategic Review – a SWOT analysis was conducted covering all aspects of the existing German business; looking at people, product, property and profit. A future size and shape Board document was produced for Executive approval.

Primary Research – on-site studies were undertaken to ascertain customer behaviours and flow patterns

GAP Analysis – a review was completed showing the existing shape of offer and opportunities where this could be fixed, stretched or supplemented in order to impact customer engagement, participation levels, dwell time and average spend.

Commercial Partner Negotiation – concession partner negotiations were undertaken on behalf of the client, with new luxury operators being identified and approached as part of this process.

Value Retail has successfully grown participation levels through its Food Service provision, whilst more closely aligning its food service values with those of the adjacent fashion retailers.

The subsequent arrival of operators such as Nick Jones Soho House & Co. has further cemented this ascendancy.

“We appreciate the work you have done which enabled you to get an insider’s view of our hospitality arrangements. Your insights are valued.”

Janie Ligon, Director

In 2013, Epicurean was retained by the Italian brand’s owners, on a twelve-month engagement, to lead the project delivery of all aspects of the inaugural store opening in London and thus establish the brand in the UK.

Construction – Epicurean managed all aspects of the pre-opening construction programme and project managed the team on site.

Operations – Epicurean wrote, controlled and delivered the operator critical paths.  This process included General Manager recruitment and SOP Manual production.

Concept – Epicurean worked with the Italian culinary team to effectively translate the menu and supply chain to the London market.  The menu was successfully re-imagined for the UK audience

PR & Marketing – Epicurean devised, executed and oversaw both the pre and post-opening campaigns.

Financial – Epicurean appointed management accountancy services, established management reporting package and devised both CAPEX and post-opening budget models.

Owner Relations – Epicurean was the linchpin between site and Italian owner relations, attending monthly Board meetings in Milan to aid communication.

Panino Giusto Londra opened on time and one budget and to considerable critical acclaim.  The brand was successfully established within the UK.

“Epicurean, led by Paul Goodale, were retained to support and lead the development of Panino Giusto’s key first store opening in the UK at Royal Exchange, London. Our project demanded numerous and varied skills; including pre-opening project management, restaurant operations, menu development, marketing and public relations. All these areas were executed very professionally. I would not hesitate to recommend Epicurean.”

Antonio Cevita, Managing Director

“Create a revolution within the Restaurants and Kitchens of the iconic business.”

A twelve-month project ensued, leading to a successful four-year relationship with the store, leading and innovating within the world’s largest single-site restaurant business.

Strategic Review – a SWOT analysis was conducted covering all aspects of the existing business; looking at people, product, property and profit. A five-year blueprint was subsequently produced and adopted by the business.

Business Change – extensive changes affecting all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the business were affected, all done in full consideration and collaboration with stakeholders. This positively disruptive approach to a well-established, mature business saw it grow Restaurant Division sales by CAGR17% for the period 2009-2013, whilst doubling profitability in the corresponding period.

Contract Negotiation – the business mix of both own-bought and concession outlets was entirely reviewed and each deal re-visited, resulting in a more than doubling of owner income in numerous instances.

New Concept Development & Delivery – 26 of the 28 outlets contained within the Harrods Restaurant business unit were either modified, refurbished or rebuilt within the four-year period in question. In each instance, project payback was achieved within three years or less.

Brand Development – new own-bought concepts, such as Harrods Tea-Room, were developed in their entirety to produce a template DNA capable of replication and global rollout. Indeed, the Harrods Tea Room has subsequently been replicated overseas.

Harrods enjoyed an unrivalled period of commercial success and industry critical acclaim for its Restaurants Division. The extent to which the profile of the business was raised was demonstrated by the attraction of leading chefs such as brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin and Richard Corrigan. This acclaim was further acknowledged on a global stage by the hosting of the World’s No 1 Chef, Massimo Botura.

In 2011, The French Laundry at Harrods, held in conjunction with Thomas Keller, became the most successful restaurant pop-up ever staged.

Partner with ABAE to conceive, design and deliver a collection of new luxury hospitality concepts, suitable for roll-out throughout the GCC area.

Client brief – Epicurean translated the vision into initial original concept proposals

Concept presentation – gained sign-off from stakeholders on five original F&B concepts, ranging from luxury tea-room to Arabic Mezze bar.

Design – all elements of the design process were completed by Epicurean; front-of-house architectural, back of house kitchen and all areas lighting design.

Concept development – 360 solution provided for every aspect; from uniform and menu design to senior staff recruitment and supplier contract negotiation

Concept development – 360 solution provided for every aspect; from uniform and menu design to senior staff recruitment and supplier contract negotiation

Concept delivery – creation and on-site delivery of standard operating policy manuals and all specification of all dish recipes table-top operating equipment

Control – Epicurean composed and controlled both CAPEX and OPEX budgets on behalf of the client

Commercial Partner Negotiation – concession partner negotiations were under-taken on behalf of the client, with new luxury operators being identified and approached as part of this process.

Ali Bin Ali will open Galeries Lafayette Katara Plaza, complete with a collection of uniquw Epicurean restaurants, in 2018. Epicurean has subsequently been retained to provide similar support on up-coming projects in elsewhere in the Middle East.