THE siblings behind Ayrshire-based Buzzworks Holdings have purchased Kilmarnock bar Lucky 7 from operator Nick Livingstone as part of wider expansion plans in the town.
Lucky 7, which opened late last year on Kilmarnock’s John Finnie Street, will close to allow Buzzworks to carry out a full refurbishment “to bring the establishment in line with its existing portfolio”. All existing staff will be retained and put through the group’s training programme.
The purchase of the bar represents the latest in a string of acquisitions by the company – headed by siblings Kenny, Colin and Alison Blair – within Kilmarnock.
Having operated The Long House on the town’s Titchfield Street since 2012, Buzzworks purchased The Jefferson restaurant on Grange Street earlier this year. And, next door, renovation is currently underway to create the company’s new head office, which will feature a world class training academy.
The new venues join Buzzworks’ existing portfolio, which comprises 11 venues – the majority of which are based in the group’s Ayrshire heartland, as well as venues in South Queensferry and Bridge of Weir.
The company also carried out a major root and branch refurbishment of its flagship Prestwick venue earlier this year, which saw Elliots transformed into Vic’s and The Vine.
Commenting on the recent acquisitions, Kenny Blair, Buzzworks Holdings MD, said: “Kilmarnock is an area where we see so much potential and these two opportunities allow us to become a bigger part of the local community where we operate. So many of our team live in the surrounding area, so it’s important for us to always retain and build on that local connection.
“Our new head office will feature an industry leading training academy, which we believe is key to the continued success of our business. We will be able to deliver great hospitality to customers across our portfolio, with the foundations being laid in the heart of Kilmarnock town centre, as we plan to expand into other parts of Scotland in the coming years.”
