Ask Italian
Coverage of strategic developments at a prominent Italian eatery chain in the UK, focusing on franchise expansion, menu innovation (including plant-driven and regional Italian dishes), partnerships with delivery platforms, and customer experience updates. Includes analysis of executive appointments, restaurant refurbishments, brand relaunches, and efforts to drive loyalty engagement. Designed for restaurateurs, hospitality operators, and foodservice professionals monitoring midmarket dining brands and chain evolution across the UK.
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Oct- 2025 -3 OctoberRestaurants
Azzurri Group secures refinancing deal to back expansion
Azzurri Group has completed a refinancing package that will provide new funding to support its expansion plans, including the rapid growth of US fried chicken chain Dave’s Hot Chicken. The hospitality group, which owns ASK Italian, Zizzi, Coco di Mama and Boojum, said that the deal comprises a four-and-a-half year…
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Sep- 2025 -1 SeptemberRestaurants
Dave’s Hot Chicken to open 180 restaurants across Europe
Dave’s Hot Chicken has agreed a deal with Azzurri Group to roll out 180 restaurants in 10 countries across Europe. Dave’s Hot Chicken was founded in Los Angeles in 2017 by Arman Oganesyan, chef Dave Kopushyan and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. It began as a parking lot pop-up before…
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Aug- 2025 -4 AugustRestaurants
Tasty raises £9.25m to support its planned acquisition
Casual dining group Tasty has raised £9.25m before expenses through a share placing and subscription to support its planned acquisition. The news comes after the AIM-listed company placed 1.7 billion new shares and issued a further 150.6 million shares by subscription, each priced at 0.5p. The price represents a discount…
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May- 2025 -30 MayRestaurants
Wagamama to open at Animate Preston
Asian-inspired Japanese restaurant Wagamama is to open its doors at Preston’s newly launched £45m Animate leisure scheme, which has been delivered by Maple Grove Developments. Positioned between Taco Bell and Mad Giant Food Hall, Wagamama has taken a 4,125 sq ft unit on a 15-year lease. The fit out is…
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Jan- 2025 -14 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 14/01/25
Pizza Hut’s biggest UK franchisee is close to finalising a rescue deal, according to Sky News. Directional Capital, which already controls a majority of Pizza Hut’s dine-in operations in Denmark and Sweden, would save the jobs of some 3,000 employees and acquire 140 sites across the UK. The deal could…
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14 JanuaryRestaurants
Azzurri Group reduces GHG emissions by 7% in 2024
Azzurri Group, investor in businesses such as ASK Italian, Zizzi and Coco Di Mama, has revealed that it has reduced its GHG emissions by 7% in 2024. During FY24, the company delivered a strong financial performance, opening additional restaurants, expanding retail offerings and growing its portfolio with Boojum, Dave’s Hot…
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Dec- 2024 -18 DecemberRestaurants
Azzurri Group profits double to £42m in FY24
Azzurri Group, the operator of ASK Italian, Zizzi and Coco di Mama, has seen profits rise from £21.3m to £41.9m in its full-year results, amid a year of “strong financial performance and transformational strategic progress”.In the year ended 30 June, 2024, revenues rose by 18% to £303.1m, up from £257.8m…
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Mar- 2024 -11 MarchRestaurants
Azzurri Group achieves reduction in carbon emissions
Azzurri Group, the operator of ASK Italian, Zizzi and Coco di Mama, has achieved a reduction in carbon emissions, both in absolute terms and intensity reduction of 9.7% (tCO2e/ £1m turnover). Along with a strong financial performance and the opening of additional restaurants, the group’s reduction in absolute emissions was…
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Feb- 2024 -12 FebruaryNews
Azzurri Group revenues hit £258m in FY23
Azzurri Group has reported a 9% revenue increase to £258m for FY23 which ended on 30 June. The group – which owns Zizzi, Ask Italian and Coco di Mama – reported “strong” trading performance by all brands, with increases in volume and spend per head. EBITDA was also up 21%…
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Dec- 2022 -14 DecemberRestaurants
Azzurri Group lays out new sustainability strategy
Azzurri Group, the owner of Zizzi, Ask and Coco di Mama, has “cemented its commitment” to sustainability through a new strategy entitled ‘Recipe for a Better Future’. The strategy lays out 19 “ambitious” goals that are aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and structured across three pillars: People, Planet…
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