Bella Italia returns to expansion trail with new Bristol outpost
The Italian casual dining chain, which is part of The Big Table Group, said the decision to add a fourth outpost to its estate in the city following ‘incredible demand’.
It is understood that the site is a former Frankie & Benny’s location with the conversion being part of a trial to test how well Bella Italia performs at locations previously inhabited by its Italian-American stablemate.
A Bella Italia spokesperson said: “We’ve seen incredible demand for Bella Italia in Bristol and Aspects Leisure Park is the perfect spot for our next opening thanks to its lively mix of entertainment options.
“It’s an ideal destination for guests to enjoy our signature dishes after a day out at the park’s various leisure facilities.”
The restaurant joins Bella Italia’s other Bristol sites on Baldwin Street, at Cribbs Causeway, and in Filton.
Bella Italia operates c.70 sites across the UK.
Earlier this year, Alan Morgan, CEO of The Big Table Group, told MCA, Restaurant’s sister site, that Bella Italia was ‘flying’ and, according to HDI data, surpassing its peers in terms of sales.
The brand drives lower sales than others in the Big Table portfolio due its lower average spend, but has a higher profit margin compared to Frankie & Benny’s.
Big Table also operates the Banana Tree, Las Iguanas and Amalfi brands, among others.