TLC Inns eyes sites for Grand Central concept roll-out
TLC Inns, the multi-site operator led by Steve Haslam and Jo Drain, has identified two more sites for the rollout of its American restaurant and bar concept Grand Central.
The first Grand Central opened last year at Yardley Business Park in Basildon, Essex, and Haslam said the unit “regularly” exceeds weekly takings of £30,000.
Haslam told M&C Report the company was eyeing two more sites for Grand Central, both in undisclosed locations and council-owned. One would be a freehold acquisition and the other leased. He said the outlets would be called Grand Central but have different designs.
Grand Central is billed as an independent take on an American grill — complete with ribs, burgers and steaks — to compete with chains such as TGI Friday’s.
The move marked a departure for TLC, which previously only operated pubs. Haslam has revealed he wouldn’t be surprised if Grand Central expanded to 13 or 14 sites.
