The founder of a Manchester-headquartered Mexican-style restaurant chain has issued an emotional statement after it was sold to the owner of Wagamama, Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito for £7m.
Morgan Davies established Barburrito in 2005 and the company currently operates 16 sites in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Sheffield, Manchester and Nottingham.
BusinessLive reported this week that the firm has now been acquired by The Restaurant Group which plans to double the number of Barburrito sites within the next three years.
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Writing on LinkedIn, Morgan Davies, who has served as the company's CEO, said: "It has been an incredible experience, from the very early days of testing recipes and opening the UK's first burrito bar in Piccadilly Gardens to navigating multiple rounds of investment, rebranding (twice!), doing our own acquisition to expand into Scotland, the seismic arrival of delivery and our transformation into a multi brand business, opening multiple airport sites and of course the horrendous experience of navigating a pandemic in hospitality.
"There have been many laughs and plenty of tears along the way. I have come to know the street names of cities across the UK as we expanded and made good friends with some fantastic colleagues and indeed competitors in the sector. Most of all, I will never forget Team Barb and of course our wonderful customers.
"A big thank you to everyone who has helped along the way!! (you know who you are!). Now it is over to the fantastic team at TRG, who will be taking the wheel on the next phase of expansion. Look out for the next Barburrito in your area!
"Finally special thanks to Steve Herring and Neil Lidguard, the other members of the three amigos, who have been fundamental on this adventure and to Graham Turner, whose sage advice and support has been invaluable!"
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