London’s leisure sector receives major jobs boost.

Wednesday 22 August 2012

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “London has been basking in the world spotlight for the past month and international investors have rightly seen that the capital is the best big city in which to start and grow a business. Our fantastic restaurants and leisure venues have never had a better opportunity to expand, capitalising on the amazing opportunities the Games are providing to boost jobs and growth in the capital.”

Jon Yantin, Director of Operations (Europe) for the global hospitality company, The ONE Group, added: “For any organisation that has genuine global aspirations, London is the ‘must-have’ location. In addition to the support provided by the Mayor’s office through London & Partners, we have been impressed by everyone’s enthusiasm to work alongside an international operator’s entrance into the UK market – it is adding an extra dimension to our London venues.”

The ONE Group operates a range of restaurant and lounge brands in the US, including STK Bagatelle, Herea, Tenjune and Cucina Asellena, as well as a successful hotel hospitality division operating with Gansevoort in New York and The Perry in Miami. It currently is preparing for the launch of the new ME Hotel on Aldwych, set to open in September where The ONE Group will handle the full food and beverage programme and introduce the flagship brands of STK and Asellina. In July it opened the complete 24 hour hospitality programme, including the destination cross-over grill Heliot, at the new Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square.  The total investment between The ONE Group and its partners in London is currently in excess of £12 million and is creating over 500 jobs.

Meanwhile in the City, the US based Samba Brands Management  have created over 215 permanent and 1000 part-time positions following a £10 million investment into its two restaurants located on the top three floors of the Heron Tower. Samba Brands operates the well established SUSHISAMBA restaurants in the USA as well as the newer Duck & Waffle brand. SUSHISAMBA London opened in late July and the Duck & Waffle in August.

And in Soho, South Korean food group, SG Foodville, formally launched its first European outlet for its fast growing Bibigo restaurant chain on 17^th August having opened its doors in a soft-launch earlier in the month. It currently employs 45 staff.

Shimon Bokovza, Founder and Managing Partner of Samba Brands Management, said: “London is IT – the gateway to the world. If you want to be a player in this industry, this is where you need to be.  It has a great talent pool and phenomenal infrastructure.  Look at the Olympics.  Unbelievable.  And when you add a government that supports business, it is a win-win for all.  We are happy and humbled to be here.”

The ONE Group, Samba Brands Management and SG Foodville were all supported by London & Partners, the official promotional organisation for London, and UKTI in establishing their operations in London.