SCOTTISH & Newcastle's retail division will offer ''a taste of the Deep South'' to more diners by expanding the group's Old Orleans chain of themed restaurants.
The division hopes to open up to four new sites in Scotland, beginning next year with a 10,000 square foot development at Fountainbridge in Edinburgh. Other targeted cities include Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee.
The move is part of a #14m programme to nearly double the number of Old Orleans restaurants operating throughout the UK. The S&N division plans to take the number of sites from 21 to 40 within the next three years,
creating 1000 additional jobs.
The theme is based on southern cooking and culture from the US, with a particular emphasis on the French Quarter of New Orleans. Creole and Cajun dishes form the core of the menu, although there is a smattering of ''submarine'' sandwiches, burgers and Mexican food.
The company believes its fare will appeal to the Scottish palate. Traditionally spicy entrees have been toned down to increase their popular appeal, although a dash of hot sauce is available for those who like a more fiery dish.
''I think there is a growing trend towards different types of food in the UK,'' retail division managing director Bob Ivell said. ''We have evidence from the success of the chain that there is demand for this type of food.''
S&N retail says the emphasis at Old Orleans is on entertainment as well as serving customers. The restaurants, all of which include a bar area, indulge in the French Quarter motif of dark polished wood, intricate wrought iron fittings and background music of zydeco, blues and jazz.
S&N owns the Old Orleans brand outright, having purchased it from GrandMet in 1993, and thus the company is free to install restaurants quickly into a range of different formats.
With S&N due to report results shortly, Ivell declined to give turnover or profit figures for the chain. However, he emphasised it had been profitable, with 60% of sales generated from food and the remaining 40% from alcohol.
The only Old Orleans in
Scotland, located in Edinburgh's Grindlay Street, will remain in operation after the Fountainbridge site opens. The restaurant is one of the smallest in the chain, and has been in business five years.
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