The operator of a growing estate of venues across the north under its Banyan, BOX and Manahatta brands resumed trading on 17 May when hospitality was allowed to welcome guests back indoors.
Since then, the group has registered record sales, up 35%, versus the same period in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic.
What’s more, many of Arc Inspirations’ sites notched record sales weeks since resuming indoor trade despite capacity restrictions and staffing challenges – including a stand-out performance from its Banyan venue at Corn Exchange in Leeds, which took nearly £150,000 in one week.
News of Arc Inspirations’ boosted trading in the weeks prior to ‘Freedom Day’ on 19 July came as fellow operator, Loungers, that sales across its estate of 175 venues were up by 23.7% in the nine weeks from 17 May to 18 July 2021 versus the same period in 2019.
‘Collective effort’
Discussing the group’s latest figures, Arc Inspirations co-founder and CEO Martin Wolstencroft said that to be delivering such performance before restrictions had fully fallen away was testament to the firm’s “fantastic teams”.
“We think it says a lot about the very strong culture that underpins our business and also the huge consumer demand for what we deliver every day,” he added.
“As an industry, we have faced enormous challenges over the past 18 months and while there are clearly more ahead, we are proud to be seeing this level of sales performance.
“It’s been a real collective effort, with teams moving venues to cover shifts – including the senior management team – and everyone digging in, staying committed and helping us to rebuild together.
“Our teams have been relentless with their positive work ethics, fighting for success and helping us to come back stronger than ever.”
