Italian Chain, Azzurri, Set To Expand Across Northern Ireland

Azzurri, which owns 250-plus Ask Italian, Zizzi and Coco di Mama restaurants, says it has invested a record amount in opening and refurbishing restaurants over the past year.

The company spent a record £18.6 milllion (US$26.8 million) to open seven restaurants—four under the Ask brand, and three as Zizzi—and carry out 35 refurbishments. Now the group is repositioning and investing in Ask Italian. The chain is set to open between 10 and 20 new units across Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic over the next five years. Zizzi already has secured sites for Belfast and Dublin.

Azzuri’s owner is aiming to grow the number of Ask restaurants to 112, with Zizzi growing to 136.