PizzaExpress operator expands mini empire in the UK

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The restaurant group that owns popular casual dining chain PizzaExpress among others has topped an industry magazine's list of largest restaurant operators in the UK.

Last year, Gondola Holdings added 55 more outlets to its mini empire, to total 655 PizzaExpress, Zizzi, Ask, Byron and Kettner's locations across the UK, reports industry publication Big Hospitality.

That translates to almost 40 million meals a year.

According to their interim report for 2011, the group currently has 393 PizzaExpress locations, their biggest and most ubiquitous chain.

Compiled annually by its sister publication Restaurant Magazine, the R200 list ranks the 200 largest restaurant and food pubs by the number of units across the UK. The report was released in the July issue this week.

Pizzas at PizzaExpress range from £7 (€8) to £11 (€12.50) and range from Margherita, Four Seasons and American. While Zizzi and Ask also serve Italian fare, Byron is an American-style burger bar, and Kettner's is an upscale brasserie that also houses a champagne and dessert bar.

Gondola Holdings maintains a big lead over its closest rival the Restaurant Group, which operates chains like Frankie & Benny's, Chiquito and Garfunkel and added 15 locations since last year to total 389 restaurants. They also plan to open up 27 new restaurants this year, the report says, including its 200th Frankie & Benny's outlet.

Check Big Hospitality for more.