INDEPENDENT bar and restaurant operators, Buzzworks Holdings, is ‘looking to explore new growth opportunities’ following strong trading results across its entire portfolio of 20 venues.
Buzzworks’ successful formula of investing in venues in smaller towns and suburbs is one that is working well for the award-winning Kilmarnock headquartered company, which announced that it was trading ahead of expectations, with projected sales growth up more than 25% on the previous year.
The company’s newest offerings on the East coast, Herringbone Abbey Hill and 30 Knots, have contributed to that success, as has its new outdoor hotspot Outboard in South Queensferry, with its dog friendly offering, and its flagship new restaurant in the west, Scotts in Greenock, which attracted a record number of visitors and sales in its opening weeks.
While the company is on winning form, managing director Kenny Blair wants to further accelerate growth by taking the Buzzworks package to new locations: “It’s been a challenging climate for hospitality operators for some time and we’ve not been immune, but the tailwind of opportunity is here and we plan to catch it.
“Based on insights from across our portfolio, as well as our detailed understanding of the market, we believe there is an opportunity for significant growth in Scotland. You have to look for the opportunities and adjust – the best companies always do and that’s what will drive us forward at pace. We have a successful format and vision that we won’t compromise on.
“When we open in a new location our commitment is to invest in more than bricks and mortar,” said Kenny. “It’s not just opening a bar or restaurant to us. It’s about community and if we can make living in a town just that little bit better, we’ve done our job.”
With an 800-plus strong team, the family-owned business is renowned for its staff benefits, including competitive rates, ongoing training and development, career progression, flexible working, and health and wellbeing incentives.
“We’ve always stood by this and by creating jobs and careers for local people, as well as bringing an aspirational dining experience and a place for socialising, the community has shown its support it by coming through our doors week after week. We are forever mindful and grateful of that.”
He continued: “This year, we rolled out our biggest expansion to date in the East coast and we’re already seeing the success of that. Our in-house development team has decades of experience and is fired up and growth is on the horizon with three new sites currently under offer. With new venues comes even more employment opportunities so we will be looking to grow our team significantly in the months ahead.
“Our commitment to communities and our people is stronger than ever and we are confident that the good momentum we are seeing will put us in the best possible position to bring the Buzzworks buzz to more towns and suburbs in Scotland in the months and years ahead.”
