Jamie Oliver buys back Jamie’s Italian chain
It’s been on the market for a while and has attracted much interest.
But now British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is buying back his eponymous restaurants across Australia for an undisclosed price.
Staff at the six Jamie’s Italian restaurants were briefed about the sale of the business from the failed Keystone Group.
Receiver Morgan Kelly from Ferrier Hodgson went straight to the point when he announced the Jamie Oliver Group was the preferred bidder.
“Jamie Oliver taking control over the restaurants is an exciting outcome for the restaurant staff and patrons,’’ Mr Kelly said.
“The Australian Jamie’s Italian franchises can now go from strength to strength under the direct management of the Jamie Oliver Group.”
Mr Oliver said the Keystone Group going into receivership was in no way a reflection of the success of the Jamie’s Italian franchise.
“The best news that could come out of the situation I've been placed in is for me to buy back the Jamie's Italian franchise. I believe in it and our Australian teams 100 per cent,’’ Mr Oliver said.
“This will be a really exciting moment for me personally, and I know the guys will be ecstatic to be back in-house. It will allow us to invest even more time and money in people and restaurants, celebrate great Aussie produce and be even more creative.
Jamie’s Italian has more than 25 international restaurants.
Jamie's Italian, Perth
The Australian chain has been a relatively new addition to the local hospitality scene.
Ferrier Hodgson had fielded as many as 80 expressions of interest for Jamies and 11 other venues in the Keystone stable. These included high profile names like Quadrant Private Equity.
Ferrier Hodgson had split up Keystone’s $100 million restaurant and bar portfolio, selling six of the venues including Bungalow 8, Cargo Bar, The Winery and Kingsleys Woolloomooloo to Dixon Hospitality last month.
by Leon Gettler, November 3rd 2016
