Gusto Plans Bigger UK Footprint

Gusto Restaurants, the privately backed fine-dining chain formerly part of the Living Ventures group, is targeting aggressive expansion after securing £9 million (US$11.2m) in funding to grow across the UK.

Gusto was formed by Living Ventures group in 2005, and managing director Sue Crimes undertook a management buyout in 2014 with the backing of Palatine Private Equity.

The group operates 16 restaurants in England and Scotland; two new locations will open this summer in Chislehurst and York this summer. The funding package from Santander will allow the brand to develop existing sites, as well as target more suburban locations. The company said it has already identified further sites for expansion in Yorkshire, the Midlands, and southern England.