Pie chain seeks UK expansion

Restaurant chain Pieminister has outlined target locations for expansion in the UK, with plans to launch four new sites next year.    The pie and mash business has appointed Carter Jonas to seek locations in Bath, Brighton, Cambridge, Coventry, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Reading, Southampton and York, measuring between 700 sq ft and 2,000 sq ft. These would ideally offer 10-year terms, with tenant breaks at the five-year mark.  It recently opened a 900 sq ft pie shop at The Crescent in Exeter, which was available at £25,000 per annum. Pieminister, which has 18 cafes and restaurants, has also exchanged a conditional contract to secure a second location in Manchester. Stuart Williams, partner at Carter Jonas, said: “Securing clever trading locations such as Exeter is key to securing profitable outlets.  “The fact that extraction is not a requirement does open up a wider range of opportunities. Pieminister’s strength of covenant is also an attraction to landlords.” The chain was founded in 2003. It also supplies independent and multiple retailers, supermarkets, pubs and farm shops. To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette