Maclay Inns plans five new sites
Scottish pub and restaurant operator Maclay Inns plans to open five new venues in 2010 after reporting strong sales over the Christmas period.
Like-for-like sales in the four weeks to 9 January were up 4%, with food sales up 8%. Liquor and accommodation sales were also "strong despite the tough financial climate and extreme weather conditions", the company reports.
The company is now raising new investment funds through its sister company the Thistle Pub Company II, "which will allow Maclay to forge ahead with plans to acquire five new pubs across Scotland in 2010".
The company said: "Maclay Inns, which has 26 bars, restaurants and inns across central Scotland, has attributed the success to its dedication to offering its customers excellent value and great customer service amidst the bite of the recession after taking the decision to freeze Christmas menu prices from last year in many of its restaurants.
"In the south side of Glasgow, The Bank in Muirend was the top performer in Maclay's portfolio, up 57% on the same period last year however overall performance was consistent across Maclay's venues with many reporting double digit growth in the four week period."
The firm said the location of its sites out of city centres also helped because people struggled to reach urban centres in the snow.
Managing director Steve Mallon said: "We took the decision at the turn of 2008 to focus our strategy on improving our existing offering through extensive staff training and refurbishing our key premises - the move has paid off as we have been able to remain competitive and offer our customers a great social experience.
"We are in a strong position for 2010 with plans to strengthen our portfolio with the acquisition of five new pubs across the country."
