The operator of Bella Italia, Las Iguanas, Café Rouge and Banana Tree says its adjusted EBITDA increased 0.7% from £12.9m to £13.9m.
In September 2023, The Restaurant Group ‘sold’ Big Table Group its Leisure Division for a nominal £1, which comprised 75 sites primarily under the Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito brands.
The Restaurant Group paid The Big Table group a cash contribution of £7.5m subject to certain cash, debt and working capital adjustments.
The transaction has taken The Big Table Group from 158 to 221 restaurants and therefore accounts for much of its turnover growth.
The company said that despite persistent inflationary pressures and cost of living challenges, a diversified portfolio and geographic spread have supported it in driving sales and profitability while mitigating costs.
Gross profit margin, excluding the recently acquired Leisure Division, improved by 1.5%, underpinned by reductions in F&B costs.
The efficiencies were achieved by leveraging scale and buying power across its multiple brands, according to the group.
Gross margin for the Leisure Division improved by 4.6%, reflecting ongoing integration benefits and improvements in operational efficiency.
The Big Table Group plans to navigate the year with a ‘continued focus on guest experience and an economic model that supports both profit and cash generation’.
The group says that it continues to have a strong cash position and no bank debt.
“Despite continued market volatility, our results once again highlight the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of our brand and operational strategies,” says The Big Table Group CEO Alan Morgan.
“We have made clear progress in improving profitability while investing in our future, including brand conversions, digital marketing, and strategic acquisitions - all with a focus on delivering the best experience for our guests. I am particularly pleased with how Bella Italia continues to deliver market leading performances, year after year.”
“The BTG Leisure division has been successfully integrated into the group, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead. While we anticipate continued headwinds in 2025, especially around labour costs and the cost-of-living backdrop, our diversified portfolio, national footprint, and the work that has been done in driving efficiency across the business, position us strongly for growth and long-term success.”